by Pesi Fonua

In the Second Round of the Federation of Oceania Rugby Union Under-21 tournament at the Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku...’alofa, yesterday afternoon, March 9, Fiji lost to Samoa after taking the lead for most of the match.

However, Fiji is still leading the tournament with 5 points, Samoa 4, and Tonga 1.

In the second round the Samoans got off to a bad start, when their No. 10, Rambo Morrison Tavana, kicked the ball out and they had to start with a scrum at mid-field. But three minutes later the Samoa No. 15, Brian Toa Thetadig, scored for Samoa, Rambo missed the conversion and Samoa led 5-0.

The Fijians regrouped, and on the 12th minute, a good break by their No. 14, Isimeli Nabalarua, ended with the No. 3, Ricco William Panapasa, scoring for Fiji. The No. 10 for Fiji, Jiuta Lutumailagi Beletinikoloni's conversion was successful putting Fiji in the lead 7-5.

Seven minutes later Fiji was awarded a penalty, which was successfully converted by Jiuta and Fiji extended its lead to 10-5. Jiuta in the 27th minute added on another three points with a drop-kick, and Fiji further extended its lead 13-5.

In the 31st minute Brian successfully converted a penalty for Samoa and the score was 13-8, with Fiji still in the lead at half time.

Jiuta kicked off to start the second half, but like the first half both sides rarely being able to establish any momentum to their play. But in one rare moment in the 5th minute the Samoans were able to put a few movements together and their No. 14, Mikaele Siliva Pesamino, dived over the corner for a try. Rambo successfully made the conversion and the score was 13 all.

In the 19th minute Fiji was penalised and Brian converted that penalty and Samoa led 16-13.

Fiji went on a rampage in the 24th minute and No. 8 Akapusi Qera, drove over the line for a try. It was converted by No. 21, Taniela Rawaqa, and Fiji led 18-16.

In the 28th minute Rambo drop-kicked from mid-field. It went over and Samoa led by one point 19-18.

Fiji finally managed to string together a few flowing passes in the back-line which led to the best try of the game by No. 14, Isimeli Nabalarua.

There was some confusion on the field following Isimeli...’s try. Fiji missed the conversion so the score was 23-19. The No. 8 for Fiji Akapusi was yellow-carded by the Tongan Referee ...‘Eva Mafi, and Samoa was awarded a penalty which Brian kicked from the half-way mark bringing the score to 23-22, with Fiji in the lead.

On the 37th minute Fiji was penalised again and Brian converted, and Samoa to the lead 23-25.

In the 40th minute Fiji was awarded an easy penalty but Taniela Rawaqa missed the conversion.

In extra time Samoa was awarded a penalty and Brian pushed Samoa...’s lead further to 28-23, which was the final score, and Samoa beat Fiji.

In the final on Saturday, Tonga will play Samoa. Tonga is still on the hunt for a victory after it was beaten Fiji last Saturday.