Savai'I Samoa have done what nobody else has this season, that is to beat Upolu Samoa. In the end it was a convincing 26-6 win.

The loss of two players in the opening minutes to injury did not help Upolu, the 2007 champions and beaten finalists last year, although they did take the lead in the 12th minute through replacement Warren’s penalty.

Savai’i had gone into the match knowing that if they could secure a bonus point win and the Warriors lose in Tonga then it would be an all Samoan final, and they signaled their intentions with a 14-point run in just six minutes with wing Falelua Sione and centre David Laban both crossing for tries.

Warren ended the half with a second penalty as Upolu Samoa went in trailing 14-6 at half time, but the fly half went off injured himself within minutes of the restart and crucially Savai’i scored first with a third try from number 8 Nissan Aitui.

With both sides ringing the changes the score remained at 19-6 until four minutes from time when Savai’i capitalised on their man advantage with Suki Fuimaono in the sin-bin to score a bonus point try through wing Meki Magele.

This bonus point means that while Savai’i Samoa miss out on a second Pacific Rugby Cup final appearance, they do leapfrog 2008 champions Tautahi Gold to finish third in the standings with Tau’uta Reds fifth and Fiji Barbarians – their country’s Under 20 side – bottom.