Manuma Samoa

Fiji conquered the entertaining match after scoring seven tries with four in the first half and three in the second spell.

Centre Tevita Sabola scored a double while the other tries were scored by Sireli Masiwini, John Muller, Seremaia Komailevuka and Jonathan Sovasova.

Samoa won their first game 69-7 against Tonga A.

They will meet Junior Japan in their next game while the Warriors will play Tonga A on Saturday.

It was a record score and win for Manuma Samoa in 12 meetings against Tonga A.

Bitner Tafili, Melani Matavao and ET Viliamu each bagged a brace of tries and with Sam Taulapapa Ale, Meyer Vanu, Elisapeta Alofipo, Des Sepulona and Uta Taaititi also crossing, Manuma Samoa matched Fiji Warriors’ 11-try return.

Tonga A’s only points came from Sosaia Savelio’s converted try in the 55th minute.

Manuma Samoa will now face the Fiji Warriors on Monday, 8 May in what appears to be a pivotal match in determining the destiny of the title.

Manuma Samoa left their Pacific island for an away match in Perth, Australia, more than 100 days ago.

But on their way home they were forced to quarantine in New Zealand - and were then stuck when their home country closed its borders entirely.

In Auckland, the squad lived in a church compound for two months, with 20 players sharing one room.

Although they are now back in Samoa, they are half-way through another two-week quarantine - and players still haven't seen their families.

The Manuma Samoa spent 14 days in self-isolation after arriving in Auckland on 16 March, following their Rapid Rugby season opener in Perth.

However, once New Zealand's lockdown was implemented and flights restricted the team was required to remain in their hostel accommodation, which they have now called home for more than seven weeks.

One of the coaching staff, former Manu Samoa captain Mahonri Schwalger, said the team has coped as best they can.

"The first week we sort of got our team training and we sort of can do whatever we can at the moment."