The Fiji U20 rugby side was too strong for Samoa, winning 31-17, their third victory in three games to claim the inaugural Oceania U20 Rugby tournament title.
Fijian Drua development squad player and former Marist Brothers High School student Aisea Nawai was amongst the players who stood out in Fiji’s final game against Samoa in Auckland yesterday.
Ill discipline cost the national side three yellow cards yet despite being 13-man down, the young men still managed to bulldoze their way to a convincing lead.
The first try was to Tevita Sovau put Fiji on the board after only the 2nd minute with Nawai converting that try. 12 minutes later Rupeni Nakiyoyo crossed the line and Nawai yet again successfully converted that one also.
Heading into half-time Samoa winger Panaua Niulevaea helped by his captain Wally Vesi scored.
Fiji kept its momentum rolling and Anare Tabakaucoro who came on in the second half scored helping the side to a 19 – 5 lead, shortly after an intercepted pass leading to a try again by Niulevaea saw Samoa trailing close at 19 – 12.
Fiji hooker Josh Uluibau powered over the try line soon after and Nawai converted helping Fiji onto a comfortable lead at 26 – 12.
Matai Tuisireli was sent to the sin bin putting Fiji down to 14 men but that did not stop Nemani Kurucake from crashing to then offload to Ebenezer Navula for a try.
Nawai missed the conversion.
Photo: Fiji Rugby
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