Samoa Down Japan While Fiji Triumph Over Tonga

The Pacific nations were out in full force this weekend along with Asian neighbours Japaan, as the four nations look to build towards the world cup.

In a gripping Pacific Nations Cup encounter at the Sapporo Dome, Samoa claimed a narrow 24-22 victory over hosts Japan.

Japan scored first through Amato Fakatava, who powered through the defensive line to score a try. Seungsin Lee added the extra points with a successful conversion, giving Japan an early 7-0 advantage. A further penalty for Lee stretched the lead to 10-0.

Samoa, however, quickly regrouped and their efforts soon paid off when Alamanda Motuga breached Japan’s defense and crossed the try line for a 5-pointer.

Former Wallaby standoff Christian Leali’ifano added the conversion.

The match took a dramatic turn when Japan’s Michael Leitch was shown a red card, leaving Japan with a numerical disadvantage.

Despite being a man down, Japan fought valiantly, adding more pressure on Samoa.

Seungsin Lee’s successful penalty goals kept Japan in contention, but Samoa managed to hold their ground, with Tumua Manu eventually scoring for the visiting side in the 61st minute

Meanwhile in the Pacific, a clash between Fiji and Tonga saw the high flying Fijians run out comfortable 36-20 victors on home soil at Churchill Park in Lautoka. 

The hosts were off to a flying start, racing ahead 19-0 after 12 minutes before withstanding a fightback from their Pacific neighbours.

Fiji then registered an early penalty try that quickly extended their lead as captain Waisea Nayacalevu and Sam Matavesi crossed the whitewash.

Tonga closed to within four points following tries from forwards Siua Maile and Halaleva Fifita, but Fiji pushed their lead to 26-15 at the interval when Josua Tuisova scored their fourth try.

The scoring dried up as heat-sapping conditions took their toll in the second spell.

Tongan back Kyren Taumoefolau scored his side's only try of the second half before replacement Fijian scrum-half Peni Matawalu pushed the game out of reach with a late try off the back of scrum pressure.