Fiji have defeated the Junior Manu Samoa 31–17, claiming the inaugural Oceania Rugby U20s Challenge at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.
Two rich cultures and proud rugby nations went head-to-head for the final prize.
Spectators were treated 23s a spine-tingling Siva Tau and Cibi pre-match.
Fiji scored two tries in the first half, one from fullback Isikeli Basiyalo, who burst through for the first try of the match, and one from number 8 Rupeni Nakiyoyo.
Samoa answered back, with wing Panaua Niu scoring off the back of a silky kick from Captain Wally Vesi.
Some untidy play from Fiji in the lineout gave Samoa more opportunities. But Samoa weren’t able to take advantage, with Fiji’s powerful scrum winning the ball back.
An intercept try from Samoa’s Panaua Niulevaea was the x-factor Samoa needed. Niulevaea read a Fiji pass beautifully, racing towards the try line. Fiji’s Aisea Nawai was right on his tail, but he kept going.
In the second half, Fiji showed why they’re dangerous, no matter who they go up against.
Their ability to stay composed under pressure was the difference in the end.
Fiji also combined finesse and firepower to lead them to a dominant performance against Samoa.
The final was the culmination of a brilliant display of young Pasifika talent, showing that the future of rugby in the Islands is very bright.
