Samoa recorded an 8-3 win over Fiji in the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup in Apia on Saturday with Alapasa Cordtz the try-scoring hero of a dour match.
Rain poured in Apia for much of the day, and thus the running rugby for which the Islanders are so celebrated was kept top a minimum. The hits for which they are so famed were not kept to a minimum though, and a war of attrition was waged.
Samoa's pack gained the upper hand in the mud, and the try came as a direct result when Cordtz powered over off the back of a maul.
That made the score 5-3, with Fiji full-back Taniela Rawaqa having give the visitors an early lead.
Samoa controlled most of the second half but just couldn't finish the game off, and eventually, they had to rely upon the boot of Gavin Williams to extend the lead seven minutes from time.
It was a good way for Samoa to round off a national week of mourning, after last weekend's death of King Malietoa Tanufamili II, the country's leader since independence from New Zealand in 1962.
Samoa's next match is against the Junior All Blacks next Saturday in Apia, while Fiji host Japan the same day.
The scorers:
For Samoa:
Tries: Cordtz
Pen: Williams
For Fiji:
Pen: Rawaqa
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