Impressive Fiji take title

Fiji beat Samoa 39-29 in the Pacific Nations Cup final at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby.

The Fijians, who led 17-9 at the break, scored five tries, including two from lock Leone Nakawara.

Samoa, who will be in Pool B with the Springboks at the World Cup, scored three of their own.

In other matches on Monday, Tonga secured third place with a 31-20 win over Japan, while a last-minute drop-goal from AJ MacGinty helped the USA edge Canada 15-13 in the fifth-placed play-off.

Fiji – Tries: Leone Nakawara (2), Niko Matawalu, Kini Murimurivalu, Akapusi Qera. Conversions: Josh Matavesi (2), Ben Volavola (2). Penalties: Matavesi, Volavola.
Samoa – Tries: Jack Lam, Fa'atoina Autagavaia (2). Conversion: Michael Stanley. Penalties: Stanley (4).

Fiji – 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Metuisela Talebula, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu, 12 Gabiriele Lovobalavu, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Josh Matavesi, 9 Niko Matawalu, 8 Masi Matadigo, 7 Akapusi Qera (c), 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma'afu.
Subs: 16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Isei Colati, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Peceli Yato, 21 Nemia Kenatale, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Napolioni Nalaga.

Samoa – 15 Ahsee Tuala, 14 Fa'atoina Autagavaia, 13 Johnny Leota, 12 Faialaga Afamasaga, 11 Alesana Tuilagi (c), 10 Michael Stanley, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Vavae Tuilagi, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Faifili Levave, 5 Fa'tiga Lemalu, 4 Joe Tekori, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Manu Leiautaua, 1 Zak Taulafo.
Subs: 16 Andrew Williams, 17 Viliamu Afatia, 18 Jake Grey, 19 Filo Paulo, 20 TJ Ioane, 21 Vavao Afemai, 22 Patrick Faapale, 23 Sinoti Sinoti.

Photo: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

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