21 May 2007

Manu Samoa opens Pacific Nations Cup with a win

10:51 am on 21 May 2007

Manu Samoa has won the first match of the expanded IRB Pacific Nations Cup beating Fiji 8-3 in trying conditions in Apia yesterday

Torrential rain fell five hours prior to kick off.

Manu Samoa, through a more experienced pack ,enjoyed greater possession but Fiji was hard to crack and opened the scoring when debutant Taniela Rawaqa slotted a penalty in the third minute of the match.

In the 25th minute Mahonri Schwalger burrowed over for a try in the left corner to give Manu Samoa their half time lead of 5-3.

Manu Samoa jumped to an 8-3 lead and eventual win when fullback Gavin Williams slotted a penalty with five minutes to go.

The Flying Fijians host Japan this weekend, while Manu Samoa have a week at home before hosting a powerful Junior All Black line-up in Apia on Saturday.

In the other matches this week Australia A and Tonga open their 2007 campaigns at Aussie Stadium in Sydney on Friday.