Samoa A

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.

The Fiji Warriors had to settle for second after losing what was effectively the final of the tournament to Argentina by 27-26, when the South Americans scored a try seconds from time.

Samoa's A team manager, Ramsey Tomokino, says it was good for them to finish the competition on a high note after a tough battle against a gritty Canadian team.

Three tries were scored by each side but the left boot of Jack Saena and a last second drop goal by Patrick Fa’apale proved the difference.

Fiji outscored Samoa five tries to two.

The tries for Samoa A came from Malcolm Tanielu and Ope Peleseuma.

The two tries were converted by Patrick Faapale

The Fijians led 22-16 at half-time.

Samoa A will take on Canada A on Sunday, October 16.

Photo file 

A new-look Fijian side, with only a handful of players backing up from the Pacific Rugby Cup earlier this year, thumped USA Selects 62-12 at the weekend in Montevideo, while the Samoans slotted a last minute penalty to topple hosts Uruguay A 44-42.

Fiji coach Senirusi Serevakula said they want to improve their set pieces in what is "the important game of this tour".

Argentina XV and Fiji Warriors kicked off their in impressive fashion with big wins over Rugby Americas North duo, Canada A and USA Selects.

Americas Rugby Championship 2016 winners Argentina XV ran in seven tries to overpower the slow-starting Canadians 56-29, while Fiji Warriors look in good shape to follow up their victory at the World Rugby Pacific Challenge back in April after brushing aside the USA Select XV, 62-12.

FBC reports the visitors had no answers as Fiji piled on the pressure from the opening whistle.

Fiji led 16-0 at halftime from a penalty try and another try to winger, Lepani Raiyala.

RNZI reports the hosts were convincing 34-6 winners when the traditional rivals met in pool play two weeks ago and have racked up 134 points across their three matches so far.

But Samoa A bounced back have also been impressive in big wins against Tonga A and Junior Japan.

Team Manager and SRU Director of Coaching Alama Ieremia said these players are an important  part of Samoan rugby's ongoing development.

The side will meet Fiji Warriors in the final on Monday after defeating Junior Japan 42-21 in their third match of the tournament at the ANZ Stadium in Suva yesterday.

Samoa A's open side flanker Oneone Faafou scored two tries in the first half while fly half Danny Tusitala scored three tries with fullback Malu Falaniko adding a penalty.

Former All Blacks centre and Samoa A manager Alama Ieremia said the changes were necessary because Junior Japan was a different type of opposition compared with Tonga A.

"We respect what Japan has to offer. They are playing very good rugby in this tournament and Japan is a well-coached side," he said.

Warriors halfback, Serupepeli Vularika led the charge in the first half as he kicked a penalty and crossed over for the first try.

Vularika kicked another penalty with a minute before half time.