Manu Samoa are demanding better execution in Saturday's Pacific Nations Cup finale against Tonga after letting victory slip from their grasp against Fiji.
Samoa led 16-3 shortly before halftime but were unable to add to their total and lost 26-16.
Veteran first five Tusi Pisi, who was replaced by Patrick Fa'apale after breaking his thumb, said they let the match slip away.
"I think the most disappointing thing was that we put ourselves in a position to win and we couldn't close the game out. I think it was just a bit of lack of composure from our team and a couple of mistakes became a big snowball effect for us and credit to Fiji, they capitalised on it."
Patrick Fa'apale is likely to start in place of the injured Tusi Pisi. Photo: Renee McKay/SRU
Tusi Pisi said the June tests have been a learning curve for the Manu's new players.
He said it's important individual players are clear on their roles and execute what they've worked on in training.
"First and foremost it's really important that we win and we qualify for the next World Cup (as one of the top two teams in the Pacific) and then everything follows up from that but it's going to be a tough ask against a quality Tongan team," he said.
"You can watch all the pictures you want and you can assume what they're going to bring but when it comes down to it in the game it's going to be what we see and how we react to situations."
Tusi Pisi said his thumb has been shattered in three places and he is likely to miss the remainder of the Sunwolves debut Super Rugby campaign.
Manu Samoa are all smiles at training ahead of Saturday's test against Tonga. Photo: Renee McKay/SRU
