Pacific Nations Cup
Fiji issue warning to World Cup Pool of Death rivals
ESPN Staff
August 4, 2015

Fiji have sent a Rugby World Cup warning to England, Wales and the Wallabies with a sparkling attacking performance to defeat Samoa 39-29 in the Pacific Nations Cup at at Swangard Stadium in Vancouver, Canada.

The Fijians outscored Samoa five tries to three, just under seven weeks from their opening World Cup fixture against England at Twickenham on September 18, and just weeks after their fellow Islanders had restricted the All Blacks to one try in the historic Test in Apia, to confirm they shouldn't be taken lightly in the Rugby World Cup's "Pool of Death".

Fiji raced to an early 17-3 but Samoa reeled them back with two quick tries to take a 21-17 advantage in the second half. Fiji, however, regained the momentum to post three more tries with Crusaders recruit Ben Volavola playing an important role off the bench - the former Waratahs utility setting up the go-ahead try with a clever cross-field kick for athletic lock Leone Nakarawa to score his second try.

Samoa seemed to be gaining dominance through their strong set-piece before the game turned on its head when Fiji scored two tries out of nothing around the hour mark. Kini Murimurivalu scored a try in the corner converted by Volavola to claim a 29-24 advantage before skipper Akapusi Qera touched down a converted length-of-the-field break. Replacement Peceli Yato conjured a scintillating break in midfield before feeding half-back Niko Matavalu, who went racing in under the posts before popping a pass to skipper Qera.

Samoa winger Fa'atoina Autagavaia scored his second try of the match to reduce Fiji's lead to 36-29, but the conversion went wide, and Volavola secured the result when Samoa were penalised at a ruck Four minutes from time.

© AAP

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