Manu Samoa win over Fiji

Samoa 8 Fiji 3

In a game where the weather made a big difference, Manu Samoa won over Fiji at Apia Park in wet conditions to open the 2007 IRB Pacific Nations Cup.

A try to Hooker Mahonri Schwalger (Hurricanes) in the 25th minute and a penalty to Fullback Gavin Williams (Son of Bryan Williams - playing in Ireland) gave Samoa the winning score of 8.

Fiji scored 3 points via a penalty by Taniela Rawaqa (Lautoka).

Fiji Captain Alifereti Doviverata (Yamaha, Japan) was gracious in defeat, crediting Samoa with the win, but lamenting the conditions which denied the open running game which we had all expected.

Samoa Captain Brian Lima, said that the positives would be taken from the match and used for the upcoming game against the Junior All Blacks next week also in Apia.

Samoa dominated the territory 74% to 26% in a match that was very much a battle amongst the forwards due to the conditions.

Weather: Overcast and light rain, ground wet.
One minute silence observed in rememberance of the Head of State of Samoa.

Samoa v Fiji 3pm. Apia Park, Apia. Samoa 19 May 2007 (Local)

Forwards:

1: Loosehead Prop: Donald Kerslake (Upolu Samoa)
2: Hooker: Mahonri Schwalger (Hurricanes, Super 14)
3: Tighthead Prop: Fosi Palaamo (Leinster)
4: Lock (left): Filipo Levi (Highlanders, Super 14)
5: Lock (right): Kane Thompson (Highlanders, Super 14)
6: Left Flanker: Justin Purdie (Wellington, NPC)
7: Right Flanker: Alapasa Cordtz (Upolu Samoa)
8: Number 8: Semo Sititi (Docomo, Japan)


Backs:

09: Scrum Half: Steve So'oialo (NEC Harlequins)
10: Fly Half: Loki Crichton (Newcastle Falcons)
11: Left Wing: Lome Faatau (Hurricanes, Super 14)
12: Inside Centre: Brian Lima (Captain) (Bristol)
13: Outside Centre: Anetelea Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers)
14: Right Wing: David Lemi (Bristol)
15: Fullback: Gavin Williams (Connacht)

Replacements:

16: Hooker: Muliafi Salanoa (Upolu Samoa)
17: Prop: Naama Leleimalefaga (Savaii Samoa)
18: Lock: Leo Lafaialii (NEC Japan)
19: Loose Forward: Ulia Ulia (Savaii Samoa)
20: Flyhalf: Notise Tauafao (Upolu Samoa)
21: Back: Josh Keil (Upolu Samoa)

Management:

Head Coach: Laaulu Michael Jones
Assistant Coach: Papalii Peter Fatialofa
Assistant Coach: Solomona Sua
Manager: Leota Kenape Tuuau
Physio: Megan Lup


Match Report FRU........more
Match Report IRB.........more

 

Stats: Fiji v Samoa (Pre match - Courtesy Fiji Rugby Union)........more

This was the 43rd match between Samoa and Fiji since August 1924...

This was the 21st match between Samoa and Fiji to be played in Samoa...

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