Vodafone Fiji chief executive officer Pradeep Lal congratulated the Vodafone Flying Fijians after an emphatic 39-29 victory over Samoa in the final of Pacific Nations Cup in Swangard Stadium, Burnaby.

“Congratulations to the Vodafone Flying Fijians for a fabulous win. It was fantastic game of rugby worthy of the PNC final and a relieving second half performance by the Flying Fijians that should be remembered for all the right reasons.

“Playing Samoa who took the All Blacks to the wire lately was never going to be easy.  For the boys to win comprehensively is a morale booster as they enter the final leg of their world cup preparations,” Lal said.

The game was a rematch between the two Pacific island countries that played to a 30-all draw in round two of the Pacific Nations Cup. There wasn’t much to choose between the rivals for long stretches of this one either. Fiji started the game off the blocks scoring in just the first minute. Samoa showed glimpses of promise to lead 24-22 in the 54th minute but the Fijians tenacity in both defence and attack saw them score a total five tries to come away deserved winners in the high scoring finale 39-29.

“Vodafone Fiji together with its partner sponsor the Fiji Airways congratulates the team for a good outing and for remaining unbeaten throughout the PNC cup competition.  Whilst you soak in the win and much deserved accolades that come with it, it is now time to begin the preparations for the world cup campaign in earnest,” he said.

Mr Lal thanked the Vodafone Flying Fijians officials who had done a great job in building the team and maintaining their unbeaten streak in the competition.

The win is expected to improve Fiji’s ranking on the World Rugby Series standings. This is Fiji’s third win in a row.

The team returns home tomorrow at 5am.

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