Ligairi strikes twice as Fiji pip Samoa
Luveitasau sent off for dangerous tackle
Fiji gave their Pacific Five Nations campaign a shot in the arm with a tense 23-20 victory over Samoa in Suva on Saturday.
The Fijians showed great character in the face of adversity to play more than 50 minutes of the match with 14 men after Mosese Luveitasau was dismissed by referee Wayne Barnes for a spear-tackle after just 27 minutes.
Samoa, full of confidence after a good win against Japan, started the game well and dominated the early exchanges as the visitors' pack subjected Fiji's eight to severe pressure both at the set-piece and the breakdown. A concerted period of pressure on the Fiji line eventually led to Danile Farani crossing for the game's opening try.
However, just as it appeared that the Samoans would pile on the points, Fiji came right back into the match with Norman Ligairi weaving his way to the line for a sensational individual try after Rupeni Caucaunibuca's break. Seremia Bai's penalty in the 21st minute stretched the home side's lead to 10-5.
However, Luveitasau's sending off left Fiji facing a rather difficult task, but the home side showed immense character not only to withstand immense pressure from the Samoans, but also to rally and produce the next score of the game as Norman Ligari bagged his brace.
Fiji held a 17-5 lead at the interval, but Samoa, playing with the wind behind the, increased the pressure in the second half and soon took advantage of the extra man. Loki Crichton struck his first penalty goal of the afternoon to reduce the deficit and six minutes later converted Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu's try to reduce Fiji's lead to just two points.
However, just as it appeared that the Fijians would capitulate, a string of Samoan errors and some committed Fiji defence, allowed the home side to come back into the game. Three consecutive Bai penalties eased the home side's nerves and despite Semo Setiti's late score, Fiji hung on for a memorable victory.
The scorers:
For Fiji:
Tries: Ligairi 2
Cons: Bai 2
Pens: Bai 3
For Samoa:
Tries: Farani, Sapolu, Sititi
Cons: Crichton
Pens: Crichton
Red card(s): Luveitasau (Fiji) – dangerous tackle, 27
The teams:
Fiji: 15 Norman Ligairi, 14 Mosese Luveitasau, 13 Kameli Ratuvou, 12 Seru Rabeni, 11 Rupeni Caucaunibuca, 10 Seremaia Bai, 9 Jacob Rauluni, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Aca Ratuva (Alivereti Doviverata, 69), 6 Semisi Naevo, 5 Simon Raiwalui (captain), 4 Isoa Domolailai, 3 Apisai Nagi (Ravuamo Samo, 75), 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Josese Bale
Samoa: 15 Tanner Vili, 14 Lome Faátau, 13 Seilala Mapusua (yellow card 27-36), 12 Eliota Sapolu, 11 Brian Lima, 10 Loki Crichton, 9 John Senio, 8 Semo Sititi (captain), 7 Ulia Ulia (Isaac Feaunati, 75), 6 Daniel Farani, 5 Chad Slade (Pelu Taele, 57), 4 Daniel Leo, 3 Census Johnstone (Muliufi Salanoa, 75), 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Justin Vaa (Philemon Tolefoa, 66).
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assessor: Ian Scotney (Australia)
With thanks to the IRB
