Samoa

The bad news is that in the aftermath, the cash-strapped Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U) is again staring down the barrel of a $1.5million (US$579,000) loss.

The loss was confirmed by the Chairman of S.R.U and Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, during a media conference.

According to the Prime Minister, the historical match cost the Union $3.4million (US$1.3 million.

“$3.4 million was spent to host the All Blacks,” he said. “The money was spent on preparations, the cost of everything and allowances.

Fiji and Samoa had both won their opening Pacific Nations Cup matches last weekend, against Tonga and USA respectively, and it was a typical encounter between two Pacific Island nations, each hungry for a morale-boosting victory as the countdown to RWC 2015 continues.

Michael Stanley kicked Samoa into an early lead and after their captain Alesana Tuilagi had lost the ball forward on the line, the Flying Fijians came storming back with two tries in quick succession, both through second-row Leone Nakarawa to lead 12-3.

The USA Eagles bounced back from a 21-16 defeat by another of Pool B rivals in Samoa last weekend to record a first win over the Brave Blossoms since their meeting at Rugby World Cup 2003 in Australia.

The hosts started brightly, keeping hold of the ball for the majority of the first 20 minutes at Bonney Field, Mike Petri dictating the play with quick ball from the breakdown and causing a frustrated Japanese outfit to concede a number of penalties.

Played in front of a pack PNG Power Dome, PNG surged to the lead at the second quarter after trailing the Samoans at the first quarter break 13-19.

At half time, PNG have put their nose in front 30-28.

The entertaining netball match has two more quarters to play.

A spokeswoman said his critical condition continued to stabilise overnight, but Manu Samoa's technical adviser remains under sedation.

Medical staff are continuing to focus on further stabilising his condition so that he can be transferred by air ambulance to New Zealand, the spokeswoman said.

An air ambulance landed in Samoa about 8am this morning with an intensive care nurse on board.

It is understood the air ambulance will fly Strawbridge to Hamilton before transferring him to Waikato Hospital once he is stabilised.

Winning the toss, the Samoans went into bat first and got off to a bad start as the first 3 wickets fell in close succession for only 13 runs.

This brought to the crease, captain Regina Sela Monika Lili’i who momentarily turned their innings around smashing 30 runs.

But her dismissal brought about a batting collapse as the rest of the batting order all scored below 20 runs.

After the full 20 overs bowled, Samoa finished at 9/103.

PNG’s Tanya Ruma was phenomenal picking up 3/11 followed by Norma Ovasuru who finished with 2/8.

A traditional ceremony took place giving Hansen the title of Tupuivao in the village of Vaiala in Apia.

The family of a former MP Patu Ativalu Togi II decided to honour Hansen because of his close friendship with one of his nephews.

The powerlifter is perfecting her form in preparation for the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea.

She will represent Samoa in the male-dominated sport. 

"I just want to encourage others," she says.

"There are so many opportunities for women out there. They just don't know how strong they are."

Fuamatu, wo lives in the Auckland suburb of Onehunga, was born in New Zealand but worked in Samoa for eight years as a sports co-ordinator.

It was during this time she discovered all of the benefits of being involved in sport.

The young Samoan woman arrived today (Monday), and said the jet lag associated with the long journey had already made her to miss home and family.

But the FIFA and Oceania certified assistant referee is not new to the international scene, having officiated in five regional Oceania sanctioned events already.  

Salamasina said that the PNG women will be hard to beat on their home soil and are favourites to claim their fourth consecutive gold medal.    

Samoa will be fielding a women’s team only in the Pacific Games.

From PACNEWS