Fijian Warriors finished off the Fiji Rugby Invitational Series in style beating Manuma Samoa 39-22 in the final match at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Saturday.
Captain Tetiva Ikanivere opened the scoresheet for the Fijian Warriors in the 11th minute but Manuma Samoa bounced back and leveled it all four minutes later with a try from Fritz Rayasi.
After a few set-pieces plays, winger Kini Vosailagi dived in the corner and extended the home side’s lead to 10-5. Samoa didn’t back off and tried their best which paid off with Miracle Faiilagi neatly finishing off for another try.
On the 30th minute, it was Joseva Nasaroa who pushed over the Samoan defense and got a try under his name. Three minutes later a well-read intercept by Samoas Tauvaga Kolena extended Samoa’s lead to 19-17. The lead was cut short when Nasaroa pulled his second try for the home side.
Fijian Warriors took a narrow lead of 22-19 at the breather.
In the second spell, Samoa again leveled it up 22-all after Faletoi Peni slotted in a penalty kick. Skipper Ikanivere then scored his second while Emmanuel Manu got one try off the bench to seal the match 39-22.
Captain Ikanivere said it was good to get the second win against a much prepared Samoan side.
“Samoa came prepared for this match but I salute my boys for standing tall and fighting until the last minute.
It had been a great learning curve for the young players and these two matches will definitely help them personally in terms of enhancing their career in rugby,” said Ikanivere.