26 Apr 2016

Sport: Baby Manu feel for Fiji

11:31 am on 26 April 2016

Samoa coach Ramsey Tomokino admits he feels for Pacific neighbours Fiji after the Baby Manu prevailed 32-8 in their World Rugby Under 20 Trophy clash at the weekend.

Both teams won their opening fixtures last week before meeting in a top of the table match-up.

The Fijians controlled the opening period and led 8-0 courtesy of Selesitino Kalounivale's converted try.

Avea Momoisea's try levelled the scores by halftime before Ramsey Tomokino's side piled on three more tries and 24 unanswered second-half points.

"Obviously we went into that match knowing that it could go either way. Fiji I felt probably had a better day one game than us. We did out homework and decided how we'd play them and stuck to that and came away with the result. It was disappointing for Fiji - I felt for them - because we could easily have been in that position as well so we were very excited for the win but also at the same time feeling for our pacific neighbours."

Samoa play their final group match against Uruguay tomorrow night, knowing a win would confirm top spot in their group and put them 80 minutes away from promotion to the Under 20 Championship.

"I was pretty disappointed after our first effort against Zimbabwe but when you balance in all the travel factor and everything. The game against Fiji I was actually pleased because that game was on a knife-edge for all of us, both teams, going into that and we came away with the result. We still haven't probably played to our full potential and hopefully they can do that on Wednesday and throw everything in the kit, everything that we've been doing and practicing comes off and if we can get a win there we will obviously focus and look forward to the final on Sunday."

Samoa take on Fiji at the World Rugby U20 Trophy.

Samoa take on Fiji at the World Rugby U20 Trophy. Photo: World Rugby / Marie-Louise van der Sandt