Samoa, Georgia finish all square

Samoa and Georgia had to settle for a 19-19 draw in Apia on Saturday.

Georgia held a 9-6 lead at half-time, thanks to three penalties from fullback Merab Kvirikashvili, with Samoa flyhalf Patrick Fa'apale slotting two.

Fa’apale levelled the scores early in the second half, before wing and captain David Lemi crossed for the hosts' only try of the match.

Georgia hit back with a converted try of their own, before Fa'apale's third penalty levelled the scores again.

Kvirikashvili had a chance to win the match for Georgia but was unsuccessful with a late penalty attempt.

Samoa – Try: David Lemi. Conversion: Patrick Fa’apale. Penalties: Fa’apale (4).
Georgia – Try: TBC. Conversion: Merab Kvirikashvili. Penalties: Kvirikashvili (4).

Samoa – 15 Albert Nikoro, 14 Faatoina Autagavaia, 13 Reynold Lee Lo, 12 Faialaga Afamasaga, 11 David Lemi (c), 10 Patrick Fa'apale, 9 Dwayne Polataivao, 8 Jeff Lepa, 7 TJ Ioane, 6 Alafoti Faosiliva, 5 Teofilo Paulo, 4 Faatiga Lemalu, 3 James Johnston, 2 Motu Matuu, 1 Sam Aiono.
Subs: 16 Seilala Lam, 17 Nuuuli Lene, 18 Jake Grey, 19 Talaga Alofipo, 20 Oneone Faafou, 21 Danny Tusitala, 22 D'Angelo Leuila, 23 Malu Falaniko.

Georgia – 15 Merab Kviriashvili, 14 Giorgi Pruidze, 13 David Kacharava, 12 Merab Sharikadze, 11 Sandro Todua, 10 Lasha Khmaladze, 9 Giorgi Begadze, 8 Lasha Lomidze, 7 Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, 6 Shalva Sutiashvili (c), 5 Giorgi Nemsadze, 4 Giorgi Chkhaidze, 3 Irakli Mirtskhulava, 2 Jaba Bregvadze, 1 Karlen Asieshvili.
Subs: 16 Shalva Mamukashvili, 17 Zurab Zhvania, 18 Anton Peikrishvili, 19 Nodar Cheishvili, 20 Saba Shubitidze, 21 Vazha Khutsishvili, 22 Lasha Malaghuradze, 23 Tamaz Mchedlidze.

Photo: Samoa