Saturday 7 April 2007

Upolu Samoa edge Barbarians

Upolu Samoa maintained their 100% start to this year’ IRB Pacific Rugby Cup in Apia with a nerve-racking 26-25 victory over Air Pacific Fiji Barbarians.

Despite going behind after just three minutes to a Vereniki Goneva try, Upolu Samoa then controlled the rest of the first half to go into the break 17-5 ahead. Samasoni Moala scored both of Upolu Samoa’s first half tries, with Timoteo Iosua grabbing a penalty and two conversions.

It was a different story after the break, however, as Fiji Barbarians stormed their way back into the game. Jonetani Ratu touched down six minutes into the second period, a try that was converted by Rt Marika Vakacegu, to pull the Fijians to within five points.

Iosua and Jonetani Ralulu exchanged penalties before Fiji Barbarians’ Josevata Tora kicked a further penalty to pull his side within five points, at 18-23 down.

Four minutes later Fiji Barbarians were ahead for the first time in the match. Apisai Turukawa’s try drew the sides level and Tora’s conversion put them ahead 25-23.

It looked as if Fiji Barbarians would gain a valuable away win until the 78th minute when Iosua kicked his fourth penalty to seal victory for Upolu Samoa.


Saturday 7 Aapril 2007
Upolu Samoa 26 Fiji Barbarians 25
IRB Pacific Rugby Cup
Apia Park, Apia

UPOLU SAMOA: 15 Gafa Siitia, 14 Samu Eteuati, 13 Timoteo Iosua, 12 Paletuatoa Toelupe (capt), 11 Lagolasi Fonoti, 10 Douglas Tausili, 9 Notise Tauafao, 8 Mussolini Faalupega, 7 Garry Saifoloi, 6 Alapasa Cortz, 5 Tui Fitiao, 4 Olaifale Pipili, 3 Solomona Tavita, 2 Andrew Williams, 1 Muliufi Salanoa
RESERVES: 16 Donald Kerslake/Taligatuli Moala, 17 John Tusiupu, 18 Amilale Utumapu, 19 Sirovai Sila, 20 Dominic Gabriel, 21 Reupena Vaeagi, 22 Samasoni Moala
Coach:Fepuleai Selefuti Patu
Tries: Samasoni Moala (2), penalties: Timoteo Iosua (4); conversions: Timoteo Iosua (2)

AIR PACIFIC FIJI BARBARIANS: 15 Josevata Tora, 14 Alipate Naqaya, 13 Vereniki Goneva (Josefa Satini 60), 12 Jonetanu Ratu, 11 Marika Vakacegu, 10 Jonetani Ralulu (Jack Prasad 40), 9 Seveci Taka (Jock Luita 70), 8 Samu Kunanitu (Koresi Ledua 30), 7 Samisoni Tabua, 6 Ifereimi Naruma, 5 Mosese Vasuitoga, 4 Rupeni Nasiga (Josefa Domolailai 30), 3 Sikeli Gavidi (Sireli Temo 75), 2 Viliame Gadolo (Vereniki Sauturaga 60), 1 Apisai Turukawa
Coach: Ifereimi Tawake
Tries: Goneva, Ratu, Turukawa; conversion: Vakacegu, Tora; penalties: Ralulu, Tora


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