Debutant Timoci Nagusa scored two tries for Fiji as they outclassed Samoa 34-17 in front of 8,600 fans at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji.
His first try extended Fijis lead in the first half after scrum half Mosese Rauluni had set them on their way with the opening score after 15 minutes.
By the time of his second, after 61 minutes, Fiji were already 26-0 ahead and on course for a comfortable win.
Fijis other try scorers were Taniela Rawaqa and Ifereimi Rawaqa, who both touched down early in the second half of a match played under blue skies, following a week of heavy rain.
Samoa claimed three consolation tries late on through Henry Faafili, David Lemi and Semo Sititi, but by then the crowd, including former South Africa coach Jake White, were already celebrating a well-deserved Fiji win.
“The way Fiji played in terms of scoring 34 points proves a point again that they are not ranked ninth in the world for nothing,” White said.
“Again it is ominous for other teams because it means this team can get better. You don’t beat Samoa by 34-17. Not too many countries can say they can beat Samoa by that margin. So I think you have to give all credit to Fiji as they were outstanding.”
Time:
07:50
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