Fijians off to a flyer

Fiji beat Samoa 34-17 in the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup in Lautoka on Saturday, with debutant wing Timoci Nagusa scoring two tries.

Fiji ran in five tries in all, with the others going to veteran scrum-half Mosese Rauluni and to two cousins, full-back Taniela Rawaqa and lock Ifereimi Rawaqa.  Taniela Rawaqa added a penalty and three conversions.

Fiji led 12-0 at half-time, but Samoa rallied in the second half with tries for Henry Fa'afili, David Lemi and Semo Sititi keeping them in the game until late on.

The scorers:

For Fiji:
Tries:  Nagusa 2, Taniela Rawaqa, Irefreimi Rawaqa, Rauluni
Cons:  Taniela Rawaqa 3
Pen:  Taniela Rawaqa

For Samoa:
Tries:  Fa'afili, Lemi, Sititi
Con:  Warren

Fiji:  15 Taniela Rawaqa, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Sireli Naqelevuki, 12 Kameli Ratuvou, 11 Vilimoni Delasau, 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Mosese Rauluni, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Aca Ratuva, 6 Semisi Naevo, 5 Kele Leawere, 4 Ifereimi Rawaqa, 3 Jone Railomo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Graham Dewes.
Replacements:  16 Vereniki Sauturaga, 17 Viliame Seuseu, 18 Wame Lewaravu, 19 Akapusi Qera, 20 Aporosa Vata, 21 Jonetani Ralulu, 22 Marika Vakacegu.

Samoa:  15 Esera Lauina, 14 David Lemi, 13 Paletuatoa Toelupe, 12 Samasoni Moala, 11 Henry Faafili, 10 Roger Warren, 9 Notise Tauafao, 8 George Stowers, 7 Bell Sasulu, 6 Raymond Stowers, 5 Chad Slade, 4 Filipo Levi, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Evile Telea.
Replacements:  16 Mullufi Salanoa, 17 Heroshi Tea, 18 Semo Sititi, 19 Jonathan Faamatuainu, 20 Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu, 21 Gasolo Salima, 22 Neli Sasulu.

Referee:  Keith Brown (NZRU)