Samoa beat Japan in Pacific Nations Cup

Fullback James So’oialo kicked 14 points as Samoa beat Asian Five Nations champions Japan 34-15 in the Pacific Nations Cup on Saturday.

Alesana Tuilagi scored his first of two tries in the third minute and gave Samoa a commanding 15-0 lead midway through the first half with his second.

So’oialo’s conversion widened the lead to 17-0 before Japan got on the scoreboard with a try by Koliniasi Ryu Holani in the 20th minute.

Manaia Salavea ran in Samoa’s third try in the 34th minute and So’oialo’s third conversion gave the visitors a solid 24-8 lead at halftime.

The hosts came out a lot sharper for the second half, making it 24-15 in the 47th minute courtesy of a try by Takehisa Suzuki and a conversion by Shaun Webb.

But John Kirwan’s team failed to build on the momentum, allowing the Samoans to pull away five minutes past the hour with a try by George Pisi.

So’oialo closed out the scoring with another penalty 14 minutes to time.

All but Saturday’s match in this year’s tournament were moved from Japan to Fiji because of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Earlier Saturday, Tonga upset Fiji 45-21 in the opening match in Lautoka.

Tonga plays Japan and Fiji takes on Samoa in the second round of the tournament next weekend.

Final Score Samoa 34 (24) Japan 15 (8)

Scorers

Samoa
Tries : Alesana Tuilagi 2, Manaia Salavea, George Pisi
Conversions : James So’oialo 4
Penalties : James So’oialo2

Japan
Tries : Koliniasi Ryu Holani, Takehisa Suzuki tries
Conversions : Shaun Webb
Penalty : Shaun Webb