Flying Fijians survive early Samoa onslaught
Ikanivere said Samoa had shocked them at the start of the game as they led 8-0 from an early unconverted try to hooker Pita Anae-Ah Sue followed by Rodney Iona’s penalty.
Saturday 06 September 2025 | 05:00
Manu Samoa halfback Joel Lam scores a try despite Caleb Muntz tackle during their Pacific Nations Cup clash at Rotorua International Stadium in New Zealand on September 6, 2025.
Photo: Supplied.
The Flying Fijians scored a bonus point in their 29-15 win over Manu Samoa in their Pool A clash of the Pacific Nations Cup at the Rotorua International Stadium in New Zealand, this afternoon.
The Flying Fijians scored tries to captain, Tevita Ikanivere, Seta Tamanivalu, Simione Kuruvoli and Kalaveti Ravouvou. Caleb Muntz landed two conversions and a penalty while Kemu Valetini kicked over a late conversion.
Ikanivere said Samoa had shocked them at the start of the game as they led 8-0 from an early unconverted try to hooker Pita Anae-Ah Sue followed by Rodney Iona’s penalty.
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Ikanivere scored Fiji’s try, which was not converted as they trailed 5-8 before Samoa extended their lead to 15-8 from a Joel Lam try, which was converted by Iona.
The Flying Fijians hit back with Tamanivalu’s try with Muntz adding the extras as they trailed 15-12 at halftime.
In the second half it was all the Flying Fijians as they piled the pressure to score 17 unanswered points. Samoa blindside flanker TalenI Seu copped a red card (after two yellow cards) for dangerous play.
