Samoa snatch late draw

Patrick Faapale kicked a 78th-minute penalty to give Samoa a 30-30 draw against Fiji in their Pacific Nations Cup match in Sacramento on Saturday.

The Fijians led 17-10 at the break, and then 27-10, before Samoa fought back to claim a share of the spoils.

Both teams scored four tries, with Fiji lock Leone Nakarawa and Samoa centre Paul Perez each grabbing a double.

Fiji – Tries: Leone Nakarawa (2), Metuisela Talebula, Gabiriele Lovobalavu. Conversions: Ben Volavola (2). Penalties: Volavola (2).
Samoa – Tries: Paul Perez (2), Anthony Perenise, TJ Ioane. Conversions: Michael Stanley (2). Penalties: Stanley, Patrick Faapale.

Fiji – 15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Waisea Nayacalevu, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Gabiriele Lovobalavu, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Sakiusa Matadigo, 7 Akapusi Qera (c), 6 Peceli Yato, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Api Ratuniyarawa, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Peni Ravai.
Subs: 16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Campese Maafu, 18 Taniela Koroi, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Malakai Ravulo, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Josh Matavesi, 23 Napolioni Nalaga.

Samoa – 15 Fa'atoina Autagavaia, 14 Alofa Alofa, 13 Paul Perez, 12 Johnny Leota, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Michael Stanley, 9 Pele Cowley, 8 Sanele Vavae Tuilagi, 7 Jack Lam, 6 TJ Ioane, 5 Faatiga Lemalu, 4 Filo Paulo, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Motu Matu'u, 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Subs: 16 Manu Leiataua, 17 Viliamu Afatia, 18 Jake Grey, 19 Joe Tekori, 20 Faifili Levave, 21 Vavao Afemai, 22 Patrick Faapale, 23 Faleniu Iosi.

Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP Photo

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