Pacific Rugby Challenge

The two teams met on Friday in the opening round of the World Rugby Pacific Challenge in Suva.

Down 21-9 at half time, Samoa A fought back to 21-21 with two second half tries to halfback Melani Matavao and Joe Sililoto.

But with three minutes remaining Fiji scored two quick tries to Turagavola Veramu Dikidikilati and the captain Mosese Voka.

These followed three first half tries by Warriors to Inia Turagacoko Tamanikaitaroi Tawalo, Waisale Sova Urabuta and Apisalome Vota.

After the match, Stowers took the blame.

The competition involves Fiji Warriors, Samoa A, Tonga A and Junior Japan.

The key investment tournament will feature closed law trials around the scrum and ruck areas.

It follows the implementation of World Rugby's global law trials which began on 1 January, 2017 in the southern hemisphere and will do so in the north on 1st August.

Fiji Village reports these trials focused on front‑row replacements, advantage, touch, penalty tries and time‑keeping.

Junior Japan head coach Satoru Endo said they are confident that their young players can do the job when they face the Samoans.

"Basically, most of them are third year and fourth year of university students.

"Half of them are under-20s," he said.

According to Endo, Tuesday's team run was the first they had together as a team.

Fiji Times reports despite their lack of time together, the Japanese team seems to be in high spirits and beaming with confidence as seen during their training session at the Bidesi Grounds in Suva, yesterday.