U20 rugby

The Polynesian rivals clash in the first leg of the Oceania Under 20 Trophy at Marist Park this afternoon, with the second leg at the same ground on Saturday.

The winner will compete at next year's Under 20 Trophy in Brazil.

Samoa skipper Simon Peter Toleafoa was a part of the Baby Manu team thrashed 58-8 by Fiji in the final of this year's World Junior Trophy.

The Auckland-based first five said Samoa's local and overseas based players have been able to train together for the past few weeks and will give it everything.

RNZI reports Fiji conceded a yellow card and a penalty try but bagged three late tries to recover from a 14 point deficit with less than 20 minutes remaining to beat Uruguay 38-34 and gain revenge for their narrow loss to Los Teritos in last year's Trophy.

Meanwhile Samoa crossed for eight tries in a 54-24 drubbing of host nation Zimbabwe in the other Pool A encounter.

Head coach Ramsey Tomokino was pleased with the win but says there's still plenty to work on.