Samoa has overcome 14-man Japan and a shambolic lineout to win their Pacific Nations Cup Take a look at 24-22, simply two months earlier than they meet once more within the Rugby World Cup.
Regardless of a purple card for flanker Michael Leitch within the thirtieth minute, Japan led for many of the match below the Sapporo Dome due to the boot of Seungsin Lee. However the flyhalf struggled to unleash his backline. Japan’s solely strive was completed by debut lock Amato Fakatava within the sixth minute.
Samoa obtained tries from flanker Alamanda Motuga, scrumhalf Jonathan Taumateine and left wing Tumua Manu.
Manu beat Kotaro Matsushima to tie the rating at 22-22, and former Wallaby Christian Leali’ifano’s third conversion put them in entrance for good with 17 minutes to go.
Leitch was despatched off for a shoulder to the pinnacle in a double deal with however Lee’s 5 penalties had Japan main 22-17 going into the final quarter.
Samoa prevailed in Japan for the primary time since 2012 even after successful solely seven of 14 throw-ins and being on the defensive for many of the second half.
The groups are as a result of meet in a 3rd straight World Cup on September 28 in Toulouse.
In the meantime, within the different Nations Cup match in Lautoka, Fiji beat visiting Tonga 36-20. Fiji began with a penalty try to led 19-0 after 11 minutes.
Tonga fought again to path 19-15 earlier than halftime and 26-20 after the break however Fiji clinched the end result with a five-meter pushover strive within the final minute.
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