Wrap: Pacific Rugby Cup
Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:40
Flyhalf Ki Anufe held his nerve to slot some vital penalty goals as Savai'i Samoa ground out a second win in this year's Pacific Rugby Cup, against Fiji Warriors.
In beating the Warriors 20-18 in a repeat of the inaugural final two years ago, Savai'i also maintained the impeccable start made to the tournament by the two Samoan sides.
Both defending champions Upolu Samoa and Savai'i Samoa are still unbeaten after the first two weekends of the event, which both teams have won once in its two year history.
Flyhalves Ki Anufe and Waisea Luveniyali swapped penalties early on before Warriors hooker Veriniki Sauturaga crashed over for the game's opening try.
Luveniyali added the conversion for a 10-3 lead after 27 minutes and, although Anufe notched two more penalties for the Samoan side to bring the scores back to within a point, openside flank Aca Ratuva's try on the stroke of half time gave the Warriors a 15-9 lead.
Tupu Ulufale came on at half-time in the place of Savai'i wing Aifou Faamausili and almost immediately made an impact. Ulufale scored after nine minutes and when Anufe scored a fourth penalty the Samoans led 17-15.
A further Anufe three-pointer stretched the lead to five midway through the half and although Luveniyali pulled one back minutes later the Samoans were able to hold on in the tightest of finishes to take the match 20-18 and maintain the Samoan sides' dominance so far in this year's tournament.
In the other two matches of the weekend, Upolu Samoa continued their unbeaten defence of the title with a 22-5 defeat of Fiji Barbarians away from home at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Friday before Tongan World Cup captain Nili Latu helped inspire Tautahi Gold to a 21-11 victory over fellow Tongans Tau’uta Reds at Teufaiva Stadium.
The IRB Pacific Rugby Cup resumes on 2 May when Savai'i take on Tautahi Gold at the Teufaiva Stadium and Upolo Samoa take on the Warriors. On 3 May Fiji Barbarians will play the Tau'uta reds at Lawaqa Park.
By the IRB
