Manu Samoa squandered a first-half lead to allow the Flying Fijians to secure a 42-16 win in their opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup at the HFC Stadium in Suva on Friday.

Samoa had gone into the breather with a slender 16-15 lead after a very impressive performance in the opening spell. They matched Fiji’s pace and looked dangerous in attack.

The second half had a different story with Manu Samoa unable to score.

The Flying Fijians struck early in the first half after openside flanker Kitione Salawa crossed over the scoreline after a series of pick-and-drives just three minutes in.

Fiji was then penalised just outside their 10-metre line, leaving Samoa to add three points.

It didn’t take the visitors too long to respond with a try after Samoa managed to break through the Flying Fijian defence.

Twenty-five minutes in, Samoa continued to display impressive offence and was able to extend their lead, after converting a penalty kick outside Fiji’s 22-meter line, bringing the score to 13-5.

Fiji quickly replied with a try.

Fiji then hammered Samoa’s defence with their forwards, before scored again closing the score gap to 13-12.

The side was then reduced to 14 players, after locks Temo Mayanavanua was sent to the sin bin, leaving Samoa to convert another penalty kick for a 16-12 lead.

Fiji was able to close the score gap at the stroke of halftime with a penalty.

Four minutes into the second spell, Fiji was able to plough their way into Samoa’s 22m, before receiving a penalty.

Fiji scored through a maul for a 25-16 lead.

A set piece from a line out 20 meters outside saw the Fijian side work their way to the right side of the field, leaving winger Epeli Momo to kick a grabber inside Samoa’s goal area before Frank Lomani was able to catch and dive over for another try.

Fiji crossed over another try following a line break from Isiah Armstrong-Ravula, before offloading to fullback Vuate Karawalevu to dive over for a try, bringing the score to 37-16.

The side managed to secure another try just after the sound of the final hooter, as Fiji scored another try.

Samoa will face Tonga at Apia Park on Friday. Manu Samoa needs to win this match to stay in contention for a spot for the World Cup.