Upolu Samoa came from behind for the second week running to beat Fiji Warriors 13-8 and maintain their 100 per cent record in this year’s IRB Pacific Rugby Cup.

The visiting Warriors looked like they might cause an upset by defeating the defending champions in Apia, and get their own PRC campaign back on track, when they lead 8-0 at half time. But, roared on by 3,000 supporters, Upolu Samoa staged a second-half comeback to all but end Warriors’ hopes of qualifying for this year’s final.

Warriors had enjoyed a 8-0 lead after 20 minutes of the first half. Full back Taniela Rawaga kicked an early penalty before flanker Rupeni Nasiga scored a try.

But after the break it was a different story as Timoteo Iosua grabbed two tries for the home team. The first arrived on 48 minutes to bring Uplou within three points. Full back Lolo Lui added a penalty midway through the half to make the score 8-8.

Iosua’s second try came only two minutes before the end of the match and was converted by Lui to hand Upolu a dramatic victory and consign Warriors to another heart-breaking defeat.

Upolu play Savai'i Samoa in their next game, whilst Warriors face Tau’uta Reds.

Upolu Samoa: 15 Lolo Lui, 14 Timoteo Iosua, 13 Gasolo Salima, 12 Samasoni Moala, 11 Pulemalie Sopo, 10 Roger Warren, 9 Notise Tauafao, 8 Filipo Levi, 7 Alapasa Cotdz, 6 Simaika Mikaele, 5 Ola Pipili, 4 Tui Fitiao, 3 Taligatuli Moala, 2 Andrew Williams, 1 Muliufi Salanoa
Reserves: Taleni Toloa, Evile Telea, Ruperake Petaia, Ken Ulia, Dominic Gabriel, Joiner Key, Uale Mai
Tries: Iosua (2); Conversion: Lui, Penalty goal: Lui

Fiji Warriors: 15 Taniela Rawaqa, 14 Malakai Bakaniceva(yellow card , 13 Saula Radidi, 12 Vuniyani Ratu, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Aporosa Vata, 8 Deryck Thomas, 7 Wate Vocevoce, 6 Rupeni Nasiga, 5 Isikeli Donu, 4 Mosese Vasuitoga, 3 Viliame Seuseu, 2 Viliame Veikoso, 1 Isireli Temo.
Reserves: Vereniki Sauturaga, Alefoso Yalayalatabua, Samuela Anise, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Waisaele Vatuvoka, Jonetani Ralulu, Epeli Vuicuvu
Try:  Nasiga; Penalty goal: Rawaqa

IRB


Updated Table                                    Fixtures     

2008 Air Pacific Fiji Barbarians Profiles                      2008 Air Pacific Fiji Warriors Profiles