The Vodafone Fijian Under-20 side lost 32-8 in their second match to Pacific rivals Samoa at the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Zimbabwe on Saturday.

The Fijians controlled the opening 10 minutes and took an 8-0 advantage through Selesitino Kalounivale’s converted try, but Samoa hit back and were level at the break via Avea Momoisea’s effort.

Ramsey Tomokino’s men dominated the second period, scoring 24 unanswered points via TP Luteru, Laaloi Leilual and Faalelelei Ioane touchdowns and the accurate kicking of fly-half D’Angelo Leuila.

Both teams won their opening encounters and were therefore looking to build on those successes to put themselves in a strong position in the U20 Trophy.

However, it was Fiji who started the stronger and were ahead when Kitione Kamikamica broke off the back of the scrum and popped the ball up for centre Kalounivale to cross the whitewash.

Samoa responded as Momoisea drove over following a lineout but it was the Fijians that remained in the ascendency.

Augustine Mafoe was yellow carded late in the first period for a shoulder charge, but Fiji failed to take advantage and it was Samoa who went in front a few minutes into the second half. Hooker Luteru was the one to bundle his way over, Leuila converting, before the stand-off extended their buffer with a penalty.

The Samoans were now firmly in control and they effectively put the game beyond doubt via a piece of magic from Leilula, who weaved his way to the line for a superb solo effort.

That made it 24-8 with a quarter of the match remaining, a deficit which forced Fiji to attack from deep. Mistakes therefore became prevalent and, after they knocked on inside their own 22, Samoa scored their fourth try.

This time, it was Ioane who touched from close range to secure their second victory of the competition and make them favourites to progress from Pool A.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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