The Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors side capped of the two-match Fiji Rugby Invitational Series with class as they outmuscled a much improved Manuma Samoa side 39-22 yesterday at the HFC Bank Stadium at Laucala Bay, Suva.
It was tit-for-tat as both teams displayed physicality and clinical play.
The Warriors built pressure early in the first-half, but failed to capitalise on it. Fullback Jack Volavola had an off day with the boots in the first-half, missing a penalty from the 22 metre line, 11 minutes into the match.
Winger Kini Vosailagi had a chance of scoring, but fumbled the ball five metres from the Samoan tryline.
Samoa’s hooker, Aiesi Siolo overthrew a lineout and Warriors Skipper Tevita Ikanivere pounced on the opportunity running in a try with the conversion missed from Volavola.
The Samoans were equally up to the task as winger Fritz Raiyasi scored a try against his own countrymen in the left corner.
Inside centre Faletoi Peni failed to add the extras and both teams were tied 5-all 20 minutes into the match.
A few minutes later, Vosailagi scored after a clean break from fellow winger Taniela Rakuro and an offload from outside centre Apisalome Vota.
The Warriors led 10-5. Samoa lock Miracle Fai’ilagi broke the Fijian defence to score a try with the conversion successful from Peni.
They led 12-10. Prop Joseva Nasaroa barged his way to score a try with flyhalf Peni Kadralevu adding the two to lead 17-12.
The Samoans were not out yet as flyhalf Tauvaga Kolena intercepted a pass in the Fijian 22 line to score a try with Peni extending their lead 19-17.
Nasaroa registered his second try wih a replay of his first try, however Kadralevu failed to add the extras with the Warriors leading 22-19 at halftime.
Samoa came out firing with Peni successfully converting a penalty to level the scores 22-all. Flanker Joji Kunavula crossed over for a try on the left corner but was denied as replacement back Erami Baca crossed the touchline.
Ikanivere equalled his tally from last week after he barged through the Samoans to dive over for a try with Volavola successfully adding the conversion.
They lead 29-22.
Samoan flanker Gordon Langkilde was shown a yellow card for inflicting a dangerous tackle.
The Warriors extended their lead to 32-22 through replacement fly half Sikeli Rabitu who successfully slotted a penalty 22 metres out from the Samoan try-line.
Warriors halfback Taitusi Lulusini was sin-binned for a late tackle on his Samoan counterpart 10 minutes from full time.
Rakuro barged his way over the tryline but unfortunately lost the ball while diving over but a few minutes from the final hooter, replacement prop Immanuel Naciva scored the Warriors last try shrugging off Samoan defenders with Rabitu adding the extras.
