Good defence wins games and the Fiji Airways Flying Fiji­ans just did that to beat Sa­moa 10-3 in the final Pacific Nations Cup match at the ANZ Stadium last night.

The Samoans dominated territory and possession but were denied scoring by a stern and brutal wall of de­fence which they found tough to crack.

The Fijians pass the defence test with flying colours even with 14 men and stopping the rolling mauls on a few occa­sions was among the positive outcome from the final dress rehearsal at home before the Rugby World Cup next month.

SPECIAL MOMENT

Even 35-year-old Vereniki Goneva after scoring a try to become the Flying Fijians top Test try scorer, made a try saving tackle in the dying mo­ments of the game.

NEED TO TIDY UP

Coach John McKee would need to tidy up the loose ends and plan accordingly so that the 31-member squad which he would name on August 18 peak in time before show­down against the Wallabies in Sapporo on September 21.

RATING (/10)

1. Campese Maa’fu-Strong, a force upfront: 6
2. Sam Matavesi- Defence awesome: 7
3. Peni Rava- Held his own upfront: 6
4. Tevita Cavubati- Work rate improving, asset to the team: 6.5
5. 5 Leone Nakarawa- Another solid 80 minutes: 7
6. 6.Dominiko Waqaniburotu-Led the defensive effort: 7

7. Semi Kunatani- Solid per­formance: 7
8. Viliame Mata- Defended well: 6
9. Frank Lomani- Connect­ed, delivery spot on: 7
10. Ben Volavola- Good game, spot on again:7.5
11. Patrick Osborne- Can’t beat experience: 6.5
12. 12 Levani Botia- Another solid defensive game: 6.5

13. Semi Radradra- Improv­ing, beating opponent with ease: 7
14. 14 Vereniki Goneva- Tireless effort from the veteran: 7

15. Setareki Tuicuvu- More effort needed: 5

SUBSTITUTES

Eroni Mawi, Kaliva­ti Tawake, Mesulame Dolokoto, Tevita Ratuva, Peceli Yato, Nikola Mata­walu, Josh Matavesi YELLOW CARD

Peceli Yato

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua