Samoa
18
Match Complete
Fiji
44
Match result:
In a match where the pattern of play was set right from the opening kick-off, Fiji have hammered Samoa by 44-18 at Eden Park.
With qualification ramifications on the line whenever the Pacific Island nations meet, Samoa missed an opportunity today and Fiji rode off into the sunset, after a disciplined and brave performance in New Zealand.
Numerous dropped balls had Samoa in trouble early and after Fiji took advantage, controlled the ball and jumped them to the tune of 24-0, the match was as good as over.
There was a glimmer of hope late in the first half for Samoa, yet the lead was quickly re-established and Fiji went to the sheds at the break with a comfortable 30-6 advantage.
Viliame Kikau and Brandon Wakeham terrorised the Samoan right edge defence and Fiji defended bravely whenever the men in blue threatened.
The scoring slowed down somewhat in the second half and Samoa scored two late tries to add some respectability to the score, after Fiji had established a 44-4 lead late in the game.
It was a drubbing for Fiji and one of their best performances in international football. Not many people believed they could defeat the seemingly better credentialed Samoans, but beat them they did. Convincingly.
Final score
Samoa 18
Fiji 44
Match preview:
Samoa and Fiji do battle in Auckland in a Pacific Island clash that is sure to excite and entertain. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 12:20pm (AEDT).
Eden Parks hosts what looms as a gripping encounter between two growing international test teams; both soon to be capable of toppling the Australians and New Zealanders.
There is speed, power and athleticism across the squads and the scoring of remarkable tries is almost assured.
Potentially, the match could be decided by what should be an epic forward battle. Both packs are monstrous and I for one would be in total fear sharing a field with men the size of Junior Paulo, Villiame Kikau, Martin Tapau and Kane Evans.
Even more exciting is the guarantee that those four and the remainder of the big men will throw themselves into the contest as though there is no tomorrow.
Samoa’s Jarome Luai and Fiji’s Brandon Wakeham will be sniffing around the rucks looking to take advantage of forward momentum with their speed and ball skills.
Samoa appear to be heading into the match with firm favouritism in the betting, yet I can’t quite see why.
This will be a stunning, brutal and potentially violent contest at times; one in which national pride is well and truly on the line.
Prediction
Despite the common logic appearing to favour Samoa, I feel Fiji will topple them in what will be a stunning upset after a tightly fought contest.
Samoa 14, Fiji 20
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 12:20pm (AEDT).
Where: Eden Park Auckland, New Zealand
When: Saturday 2nd November 2019, 12:20 (AEDT)
TV: Fox League, Kayo Sports, Nine GEM, Live Pass
Betting: Samoa $1.14 Fiji $5.75
Samoa
1. Ronaldo Mulitalo 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Timoteo Lafai 4. Joseph Leilua 5. Brian To’o 6. Marion Seve 7. Jarome Luai 8. Junior Paulo 9. Danny Levi 10. Martin Taupau 11. Tino Faasuamaleaui 12. Michael Chee-Kam 13. Bunty Afoa 14. Dunamis Lui 15. Moses Leota 16. Luciano Leilua 17. James Gavet 18. Ligi Sao 19. Lalotoa Mata’afa
Fiji
1. Sitiveni Moceidreke 2. Isaac Lumelume 3. Taane Milne 4. Brayden Wiliame 5. Suliasi Vunivalu 6. Kevin Naiqama 7. Brandon Wakeham 8. Kane Evans 9. Joe Lovodua 10. Tui Kamikamica 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Ben Nakubuwai 13. D’Rhys Miller 14. Lamar Liolevave 15. Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu 16. King Vuniyayawa 17. Penioni Tagituimua 18. Junior Roqica
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Crowd was quite poor for that one Drazen but it is a long day and it will have built considerable for the Kiwis clash up next. Not sure about tonight.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
In a match where the pattern of play was set right from the opening kick-off, Fiji have hammered Samoa by 44-18 at Eden Park. With qualification ramifications on the line whenever the Pacific Island nations meet, Samoa missed an opportunity today and Fiji rode off into the sunset, after a disciplined and brave performance in New Zealand. Numerous dropped balls had Samoa in trouble early and after Fiji took advantage, controlled the ball and jumped them to the tune of 24-0, the match was as good as over. There was a glimmer of hope late in the first half for Samoa, yet the lead was quickly re-established and Fiji went to the sheds at the break with a comfortable 30-6 advantage. Viliame Kikau and Brandon Wakeham terrorised the Samoan right edge defence and Fiji defended bravely whenever the men in blue threatened. The scoring slowed down somewhat in the second half and Samoa scored two late tries to add some respectability to the score, after Fiji had established a 44-4 lead late in the game. It was a drubbing for Fiji and one of their best performances in international football. Not many people believed they could defeat the seemingly better credentialed Samoans, but beat them they did. Convincingly. Final Score Samoa…………….18 Fiji………………….44
drazen miljanovic
Guest
crowd number and what crowd will there be for Aust v Tonga
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Match report to follow in 5 minutes. Samoa…………….18 Fiji………………….44
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks for being on board for the match and be sure to stick around for the remaining Tests in what is a triple header in New Zealand today. Great Britain face New Zealand shortly and Australia take on Tonga this evening. Samoa…………….18 Fiji………………….44
Stuart Thomas
Expert
What a performance from Fiji. They have belted Samoa to make a real statement to the rugby league world. Despite having a little less pedigree than their opponents, heart, guts and effort was what they used to prevail. Samoa…………….18 Fiji………………….44
Flexis
Roar Rookie
Are the odds in the preview above correct? Definitely wouldn’t say I saw the landslide coming, but $6 seems out of whack. And who on earth made the decision that the referees would wear practically a Samoan jersey replica. Touchies were open all day. Surprised they didn’t receive more ball.
Flexis
Roar Rookie
Pearler of a consolation try that!
Stuart Thomas
Expert
FULL-TIME TRY SAMOA!!! Mulitalo scores after an excellent grubber kick from Luai. The try is not converted. Samoa…………….18 Fiji………………....44
Stuart Thomas
Expert
80' Final seconds now as Samoa take possession. Taupau with another run from the kick off. He has tried hard today. Now they keep the ball alive. Final play of the match. Samoa…………….14 Fiji………………....44
Stuart Thomas
Expert
79' Lafai cannot convert and the air has well and trying gone out of this game. Well played Fiji, with just a minute remaining on the clock. Samoa…………….14 Fiji………………....44
Stuart Thomas
Expert
78′ Samoa now 5 metres out as Fiji begin to drop of tackles. They shift wide to the left…..TRY SAMOA!!! Taufua scores right in the corner, but it will mean little. Samoa…………….14 Fiji………………….44
Stuart Thomas
Expert
77' Fiji continue to roll over the advantage line. Wakeham controls the end of the set and Mulitalo makes no mistake with the take this time. PENALTY SAMOA!!! They find touch on the half way line after an infringement in the ruck. Samoa…………….10 Fiji………………....44
Stuart Thomas
Expert
75' Samoa start again after the scrum and Leota takes a charge, they shift the ball looking for the final try of the match. It is quite a poor set and Moceidreke cleans it up easily. He cramps up and we have a minor delay. Samoa…………….10 Fiji………………....44
Stuart Thomas
Expert
72' Brilliant defence from Fiji today. They have been strong and relentless. They feed and win the scrum. Miller and Kamikamica bring the ball away. Evans goes over half way. Now Wakeham grubbers into touch on the last. Nice control from the youngster. Samoa…………….10 Fiji………………....44
Stuart Thomas
Expert
71' Fiji take the drop out and Taupau brings it back. Now To'o involved again. 20 out. Chee-Kam is brought down 10 out. The ball is loose, they lose ground. Lafai offloads and they keep the ball alive. Levi knocks on. Samoa…………….10 Fiji………………....44
Stuart Thomas
Expert
70' Fiji start again but lose the ball and Samoa will look for a consolation try. Taupau is tackled a metre out. As is Gavet. The kick is good and Samoa win a repeat set. Samoa…………….10 Fiji………………....44
Stuart Thomas
Expert
69' Moceidreke converts the try and the Fijian supporters are in party mode. This is a thrashing. Samoa…………….10 Fiji………………....44
Stuart Thomas
Expert
69' That was all a little too easy. Samoa just have not turned up to play today. What an upset this is. Samoa…………….10 Fiji………………....42