2016 Samoa vs. Fiji rugby league test match

The 2016 Samoa vs. Fiji rugby league test match was played between Samoa and Fiji at Apia Park.

2016 (2016) Samoa vs. Fiji rugby league test match  ()
Samoa
 Fiji
18 20
12 Total
SAM 180 18
FIJ 164 20
Date8 October 2016
StadiumApia Park
LocationApia, Samoa
Referees Gerard Sutton
Broadcast partners
Broadcasters

Background

On 7 May 2016, it was confirmed that Apia would host a test-match between Samoa and Fiji on 8 October 2016, marking the 30th anniversary of rugby league in Samoa.[1] John Grant, the Chief Executive of the Australian Rugby League Commission, shared his support for the test by confirming that an Australian registered referee would be provided along with senior staff and management to help with the organisation of the match.[2]

Squads

Samoa picked 6 débutantes for the test match, while Fiji selected four. All of the Samoan team had players based in the NRL except for Denny Solomona, who plays for Super League club Castleford Tigers. Fiji on the other hand had a fair share of National Rugby League, and New South Wales Cup players along with one domestic player, Pio Seci. Samoa's most capped player was Leeson Ah Mau, who made his 11th appearance for his country, while Fiji's most experienced player was James Storer, who also made his 11th appearance for his country.

St. George Illawarra's Leeson Ah Mau captained Samoa, and Wests Tigers' Kevin Naiqama led Fiji.

Samoa Position Fiji
David Nofoaluma Fullback Sitiveni Moceidreke
Ken Maumalo Wing Tyrone Phillips
Matthew Wright Centre Kevin Naiqama (c)
Tim Lafai Centre Brayden Williame
Denny Solomona Wing Marcello Montoya
Pita Godinet Five-Eighth Henry Raiwalui
Mason Lino Halfback Maurice Kennedy
Sam Kasiano Prop Kane Evans
Kaysa Pritchard Hooker Apisai Koroisau
Junior Paulo Prop Junior Roqica
Leeson Ah Mau (c) 2nd Row Viliame Kikau
Raymond Faitala-Mariner 2nd Row Eloni Vunakece
Sauaso Sue Lock Korbin Sims
Erin Clark Interchange James Storer
Sam Lisone Interchange Tui Kamikamica
Bunty Afoa Interchange Ben Nakubuwai
James Gavet Interchange Pio Seci
Matt Parish Coach Mick Potter

Match summary
8 October 2016
4:40pm (UTC+13)
Samoa  18 – 20  Fiji
Tries:
Maumalo (16', 20') 2
Kasiano (4') 1
Goals: Wright 3/3 (5', 18', 21')		 Report Tries:
1 (24') Montoya
1 (30') Storer
1 (38') Williame
1 (60') Phillips
Goals: Moceidreke 2/4 (32', 40')

Fiji won the match after trailing 18-0 at the 20 minute mark.[3] Samoa were dominating proceedings in the opening quarter as they controlled most of the possession and territory but Fiji hit back in the back-end of the game with Samoa's errors ruining the home team's chances.

See also

References
  1. "Samoa to host Fiji in historic Test". NRL.com. 7 May 2016. Archived from the original on 8 May 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  2. Walter, Brad (7 May 2016). "ARLC chairman John Grant expects NRL clubs to support historic Test in Samoa". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  3. Kennedy, Chris (8 October 2016). "Brilliant Bati comeback steals Pacific Test win". NRL.com. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
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