Capital Punishment for Barbarians at Apia Park

Samoa Rugby Union:

In an emphatic display of power and skill the Le Vai Upolu Samoa team overwhelmed the Fiji Barbarians side 49 to 13. Despite the heavy downpours that punctuated the match, Upolu Samoa displayed flashes of brilliance combining speed, deft handling and flair that lit up the sodden Apia Park conditions.

In a team performance that netted a bonus point through six tries, Uale Mai showed why he’s one of the world’s top Sevens exponents with some darting runs. His transition to the fifteen-man game seems a positive move while Jerry Meafou was a solid rock in mid-field.

Captain George Stowers maintained his high work rate and quality back-play. He was a constant menace highlight the man against boys gap. His barnstorming runs was a constant feature much to the delight of the crowd as he consistently breach the gain line on attack.

However, the highlight of this exciting and entertaining PRC match was a hat-trick of tries scored by Sevens Star Ofisa Treviranus in his comeback match after injury. His break from the game for the past six weeks appears to have done wonders for the power forward. He played an outstanding all-round game backing up his signature attacks with fearsome defence. His form suggests the national panel of selectors will have some headaches whether he goes to the Sevens circuit or continues with Upolu’s campaign with the Manu Samoa fixture against the Junior All Blacks only 4-weeks away.

The strategy by Fiji to pitch its National under-20 side as the Fiji Barbarians team in the Pacific Rugby Cup competition must now be assessed by its management. After its second 30+ point hammering for the second time in three weeks, the young guns of Fiji rugby must now dig deep to take lessons as they prepare for the Junior World Cup in Japan next month.  

For Upolu Samoa, they will leave next Monday to take on the Fiji Warriors next week in Fiji. A win there will secure another grand final appearance for the impressive Upolu Samoa team.

Samoa tries – Ofisa Treviranus (3), George Stowers, Masefau Leuluniu, Jerry Meafou

Penalties – Roger Warren (4)

Conversions – Roger Warren (4), Titi Esau (1)

Fiji tries – Leong Kwong, Kini Murimurivalu
Penalties – Noa Nakaitaci

In other PRC Matches

Savaii Samoa 22  v Fiji Warriors 37 

Tautahi 14 v Tauuta 12