The captain of Samoa A, Henry Stowers, has bravely taken responsibility for his side's last gasp loss to the Fiji Warriors, 33-21.
The captains of the four teams in the World Rugby Pacific Challenge Photo: World Rugby
The two teams met on Friday in the opening round of the World Rugby Pacific Challenge in Suva.
Down 21-9 at half time, Samoa A fought back to 21-21 with two second half tries to halfback Melani Matavao and Joe Sililoto.
But with three minutes remaining Fiji scored two quick tries to Turagavola Veramu Dikidikilati and the captain Mosese Voka.
These followed three first half tries by Warriors to Inia Turagacoko Tamanikaitaroi Tawalo, Waisale Sova Urabuta and Apisalome Vota.
After the match, Stowers took the blame.
"It was a game of two halves and I think with the island style of rugby we gave it our all," Stowers said.
"In terms of the mistakes at the end, personally I take that upon myself. A few crucial errors that let them back into the game," he said.
"Given the new format with the under-23s, these boys, it's there first taste of international rugby. So for them to come out there and give it their all, I'm proud of them."
Samoa A next face Tonga A on Tuesday, who lost to Junior Japan on Friday, 45-28.
Tonga captain Sione Lolohea said his players were guilty of not playing for the full 80 minutes in the seven tries to four defeat.
The devastation wrought by cyclone Gita in Tonga might have also affected Tonga's match fitness according to Lolohea, as his team were prevented from having a warm up game.
"Some of them just forgot that the game was 80 minutes," Lolohea said after the match.
"That's one of the things about the fitness... That was the first time they played together."
Tonga A take on the Samoa A tomorrow in Suva in the second round.
