Samoa defeat Tonga in muddy Apia

Samoa recovered from a seven-point halftime deficit to defeat Tonga 25-17 in the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup. It was played in deplorable conditions at Apia Park, with standing water and repeat set pieces reducing the field to a bowl of mud and severely limiting attacking rugby.

Kicking for field position dominated the first half and led to the opening try just ten minutes in. Ahsee Tuala couldn’t handle Sami Fisilau’s kick ahead, and the loose ball was hacked ahead by Cooper Vuna. It would come to a rest in-goal with the former Bath winger winning the race for the touchdown.

The Manu managed only a single penalty kick from UJ Seuteni in the first half, with a long range attempt from Johnny Vaili falling short. Tonga would score once more through their forwards, the giant figure of Ben Tameifuna blasting over for a try on the stroke of halftime to take a 10-3 lead.

Full Report Here