The Flying Fijians recorded a 29-15 victory over Manu Samoa at Rotorua International Stadium, a result that not only strengthened their Pacific Nations Cup campaign but also confirmed Tonga’s qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The match was highly anticipated as both sides were still battling for a pathway to the tournament in Australia, and Fiji’s win ensured that their Pacific neighbours would take one of the available spots.
While Tonga will not be expected to win the World Cup, simply qualifying for rugby’s biggest stage is an achievement in itself and one that should not be underestimated. At present, New Zealand are priced as the favourites to lift the trophy in 2027, with many of the best betting sites that accept Bitcoin offering the All Blacks at 5/2 odds. These platforms have grown in popularity among rugby fans thanks to their competitive odds, lightning-fast payouts, and appealing perks such as welcome rewards, odds boosts, and free bets. For supporters, they provide an engaging way to add an extra layer of excitement to the Rugby World Cup in Australia in two years’ time. By sealing Tonga’s place at the World Cup, Fiji’s victory over Samoa gave the contest added significance, and the intensity showed from the opening moments in Rotorua.
The encounter began with Samoa on the front foot, their forwards setting the pace from the opening kick-off. An early lineout drive gave hooker Pita Anae-Ah Sue the chance to score, before fly-half Rodney Iona added further points from the boot. A second try through halfback Joel Lam extended their lead, and with Iona’s conversion, they went into a strong position midway through the first half. However, Fiji responded quickly through captain Tevita Ikanivere, who finished a rolling maul, before former All Black centre Seta Tamanivalu added another score close to the interval. With Caleb Muntz converting, the margin was reduced to just three points at half-time, leaving Samoa ahead 15-12.
The second half saw momentum shift as Samoa earned a series of penalties, briefly putting the Fijians under pressure. Yet errors began to creep into their play, including a missed opportunity when Iona sent a kick too long and out of play. Fiji capitalised on these mistakes, with Kitione Salawa forcing a penalty at the breakdown. The turning point arrived when flanker Taleni Seu was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, leaving Samoa a man short at a key moment.
Despite a promising interception from Elisapeta Alofipo that briefly lifted Samoan hopes, the pressure eventually told. A clever chip from replacement Kemu Valetini was chased down by halfback Simione Kuruvoli, who touched down for Fiji’s third try. With Muntz adding the conversion, Fiji moved ahead for the first time in the game and extended the lead with a penalty soon after. The contest was effectively sealed when Kalaveti Ravouvou cut through the Samoan defence late on to score, Valetini converting to complete the 29-15 result.
Fiji’s captain Tevita Ikanivere admitted that his side had started slowly and failed to impose themselves early, but praised his teammates for raising their intensity in the second half. Head coach Mick Byrne was satisfied with the improved discipline in terms of avoiding cards, although he noted that unnecessary penalties and loose offloads made the task more difficult than it needed to be. Both were pleased with the defensive resilience that eventually set the platform for the comeback.
In contrast, Samoa’s camp left Rotorua frustrated, with head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi pointing to discipline and errors as decisive factors. He stressed that the team had shown plenty of effort and positives to build on, but accepted that giving away possession cheaply against Fiji was costly. Captain Michael Alaalato’a expressed pride in his team’s spirit and intent, while also admitting that key moments were lost through avoidable mistakes. The squad now faces a demanding week of recovery and travel as they head to the United States for their next decisive match, knowing victory will be vital to keeping their qualification hopes alive.
For Tonga, Fiji’s win was decisive. Having already beaten Samoa in Nuku’alofa three weeks earlier, the Tongans were left needing results elsewhere to fall their way. With Fiji’s triumph in Rotorua, their place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup is confirmed, joining Fiji as the second Pacific Island nation assured of a spot. The expanded format for the tournament ensures further opportunities, but for Samoa, the immediate task will be regrouping quickly as they prepare for a must-win fixture across the Pacific.
Around five thousand fans braved the rain to witness the contest in Rotorua, where both teams performed their traditional challenges before kick-off. The atmosphere matched the intensity of the occasion, with Samoa threatening an upset before Fiji’s power and depth told in the final stages. The result has not only shaped the Pacific Nations Cup standings but also set the tone for the battles to come as the qualification race edges closer to its conclusion.
