Savaii Samoa targets Fiji Double

Apia, Samoa - After been piped at the death against the Fiji warriors last season, A determined Savaii Samoa side will look to settle the score at home this weekend in the big island of Savaii. With one win each under their belt, both teams will look to throw down the gauntlet, at what is expected to be a full house at Price Edward Park, Iva this Saturday.

Savaii, however, had to come from behind to overcome a gutsy Fiji Barbarians side in last weeks opening Pacific Rugby Cup encounter at Apia Park, scoring a thrilling 17 -13 victory at the death. The Fijians were relentless in defense and showed plenty of speed in attack, which troubled the heavier Savaiian side in the opening half,. “ They certainly had us on the back foot early in the game” quips the Savaii Samoa coach, Stan To’omalatai “ Which is something that we will be addressing in camp, you just can’t afford to be complacent in the opening quarter, otherwise your be punished, especially against the Fijians”. But to the Savaiian’s team credit, they were able to draw the Barbarians into a forward tussle, and were rewarded with two tries in the second spell, both resulting from driving Forward play. Victory, only came Savaii’s way, as the last of these tries came in the dying minutes of extra time, with Reupena Levasa smashing his way over the try line.
To’omalatai was quick to add though, that his side will have to improve immensely, if they are to topple a strong Warriors side at Prince Edward Park, who will be smarting from an impressive win against Tautahi Gold at Lautoka last week. “The Warriors will be confident, and are definitely not coming to Samoa to lose, so we will have to raise our intensity and focus leading up this weekends showdown”, says To’omalatai. “ It’s going to be tough, there’s no doubt about that, but we’re ready”
Savaii will look once again to their sevens stars, Alafoti Faosiliva, Reupena Levasa and captain Ponifasio Vasa  to lead the charge against the Warriors, with both performing strongly in last weeks opening encounter. However To’omalatai will be without Sevens livewire Alatasi Tupou due to an injury, and will be expected to return in the third round against the Tau’uta Reds. Hooker, Loleni Tafunai was a standout performer for the Savaii pack against the Barbarians, and will look to take the challenge to the Warriors pack.
Savaii Samoa will be hosting the Warriors on their home ground at Iva, and will expect a lot of support from the Savaii people, “ We only get the opportunity to play once at home during the Pacific Rugby Cup, so we are not about to disappoint the people of Savaii” To’omalatai adds. “ We’ve showed in the last two season’s that Savaii never takes a backward step, and we don’t intend to that in 2008, not at home”
Crowned inaugural champions in 2006, Savaii Samoa was unable to successfully defend their title in 2007, after three narrow losses in the first three rounds, including a loss against eventual champions Upolu Samoa. However, they were able to salvage third place after the latter rounds with convincing victories over last years competition leaders Tau’uta Reds and Tautahi Gold at home. “ We had a bad start last year, and had we but won one of the first three matches, I believe things would have been different, so it is important we nail these first two games at home”. To’omalatai concedes however, Savaii will be looking forward to their fourth round clash against the 2007 Champions, Upolu Samoa. “ We may be from the same country, but this is the Pacific Rugby Cup, we are two different teams, and we have a score to settle”