PRC- Savaii Samoa stay in the hunt.

Savai'i Samoa have kept their slim final hopes alive, for the time being at least, with a hard fought 34-23 win over the Tau'uta Reds in the first match of today's triple header in Nadi.

The radar-like boot of Savai'i fullback Ted Sikivou was the big difference between the two teams who scored three tries each in hot and humid conditions.

In a game that didn't really open up until the last quarter, it was Sikivou's haul of 16 points that proved a decisive factor as neither team could gain a decisive ascendancy in the match. A proliferation of handling errors and brutal defence ensured that try scoring opportunities, in the first half anyway, were at a premium. However the sin-binning of Reds reserve back Silifou Sikulu with 15 minutes to go swung the momentum Savai'i's way and they were able to close the game out with two tries.

Tau'uta Reds opened the scoring with a try to winger Atelea Okati in the 14th minute. Reds 5-0.

Savai'i responded with a penalty 2 minutes later through fullback Ted Sikovi. Reds 5-3 midway through the first half.

A further penalty in the 25th minute to Sikivou gave Savaiíi a 6-5 lead for the first time in the match.

The Reds took back an 8-6 lead with a penalty in the 30th minute.

Upolu took the lead back yet again with a penalty on the stroke of half time. 9-8 to Savai'i in a lacklustre first half of rugby.

Ted Sikivou kicked his 4th penalty of the day 5 minutes into the second half to extend the Savai'i lead 12 points to 8.

Reds fullback Fokolulu Taumalolo responded almost immediately with a penalty. 12-11 to Savai'i.

Off the restart, Reds 5/8 Uate Tupou scooped on a loose ball and sprinted 50 metres to score under the posts and regain the lead. A successful conversion game them an 18-12 lead.

Savai'i winger, Henry Bryce, who is having an impressive tournament, scored Savai'i's first try midway through the second half, burrowing through a maul to touch down and bring the Samoan outfit within a point - trailing the Reds 17-18.

Sikivou's 4th penalty soon after put Savaii back in front 20-18.

When Reds reserve back Silifou Sikulu was sent to the bin for a late tackle, the game opened up; however it was the Reds who scored first.

Despite being a man down the Reds scored their 3rd try when Alekasanita Taka burrowed over the line to give the Reds a 23-20 lead.

Savai'i struck back almost immediately with a try to Henry Bryce, who finished off a slick backline move to score his second for the day.

Converted by Ted Sikovi to give Savai'i a 27-23 lead, and from there they never looked back.

Savai'i put the game beyond doubt with beautifully executed try to winger Michael Tavae right on full time. The conversion gave Savaii a hard-fought 34-23 win.

Savai'i move to 9 points on the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup table but the failure to secure a bonus point for a 4th try could prove costly. Only one team has qualified for the final with 14 points in the history of the PRC and that being Tautahi Gold in 2008.

For the Tau'uta Reds their tilt at the finals is over, however they could still have a big influence in the composition of the finals teams as their last match is against the Fiji Warriors in Sigatoka on Saturday.