by Jeremy Mogi – EM TV Sports, Port Moresby
A ruthless performance was witnessed, by American Samoa over Pacific Minnows, of the Solomon Islands, in the opening match of the Oceania Rugby Cup, in Port Moresby.
Four unanswered tries over two halves saw American Samoa claim their first win 30 points to 15.
Afa Tuiletufuga, American Samoa captain, had an early opportunity to score but missed from point blank range as the Solomon Island’s relied on a good set piece and their size.
Their forward pack, working well and being rewarded as well with a try.
Their conversion was successful and after ten minutes Solomon Islands were 7 up.
A short series of handling errors, and the Solomon Islands had another opportunity which they failed to use.
Deja vu for American Samoa scoring from a penalty goal from the same side of the field, to narrow the score.
Eighteen minutes in and Solomon islands were leading with 7 points to American Samoa 3.
American Samoa took the lead, close to half time, with two tries back to back, as the SI defence began to crumble.
By half time the score stood at 20-7.
And the second half began much the same way as the first, ending with American Samoa maintaining momentum, scoring two quick tries to extend their lead even further.
Solomon Islands would eventually score on the stroke of full time, but by then the damage had already been done.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=uZ6JDxPs0bk%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
