PRC: Barbarians secure top spot from win over Savai'i
Savai'i's IRB Pacific Rugby Cup campaign is over after the Barbarians secured top spot and a place in next week's final with a 19-14 win in the second match of today's triple header in Sigatoka.
Savai'i never really looked like scoring the four tries needed to get the bonus point needed to have any chance of sneaking into the final and such was the defence on show by a determined Barbarians outfit. The win sees the Barbarians finish the pool matches in top spot on the PRC table. The Savai'i team head home with their fellow countrymen, Upolu, and now face a nervous wait to find out who has impressed enough to gain selection in the national Team for the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup which kicks off on 12 June.
A penalty to Ted Sikovi in the 3rd minute gave Savai'i an early 3-0 lead.
A penalty to the Barbarians' Jaoji Dakuvula tied the scores at 3-3.
The first try of the match was scored by Barbarians winger William Saukuru after a brilliant break by halfback Emosi Vucago to put the Fijians in front 5-3.
A try to Savai'i outside centre Taulagi Afamasaga, on the back of a slick set-piece move, brought the Samoans back level with the Barbarians 8-all with 14 minutes remaining in the half.
A penalty to Savai'i fullback Ted Sikovi broke the deadlock and gave Savai'i an 11-8 lead.
Dakuvula levelled the scores for the Barbarians with a penalty right on fulltime. At halftime, the scores were locked at 11-all.
A try to the Barbarians reserve Joe Nabou in the 8th minute of the second half gave the Barbarians a 16-11 lead.
Dakuvula kicked a gift penalty in front of the posts with 10 minutes to go to give the Barbarians an 8 point lead, 19-11.
Savai'i who needed a bonus point win to have any chance of making the finals, took the curious decision to take a shot at goal when awarded a penalty with 8 minutes to go. Whilst the successful kick closed the gap 14-19, it left Savai'i with just 8 minutes to score 3 tries.
It was a task to great for Savai'i and when their #8 Vavai Tuilagi was sent to the bin for throwing the ball away, Savai'i lost any hope of winning the game and let alone qualifying for the final.


