Samoans Rally Back To Claim Third Place In Pacific Nations Cup

Physicality and skill on display in thrilling encounter for the Bronze medal

Samoa's tenacious and multifaceted performance propelled them to claim third place in the tournament, claiming the bronze /

By Priscilla Jepchumba

The thrilling finale of the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup saw an intense battle between Samoa and the USA in the scorching Osaka heat, with both teams vying for a coveted podium finish.

The USA initially surged ahead, displaying formidable strength and securing an early lead. However, Samoa's tenacious and multifaceted performance ultimately propelled them to claim third place in the tournament.

Samoa made a resounding impact from the outset, unleashing a physically imposing tackle that drove the USA backward. This marked the beginning of an electrifying and diverse offensive display, highlighted by Rodney Iona's impeccably executed chip kick to find Lalomilo before Samoa sought to spread the ball wide.

Despite the USA's aggressive line speed, which initially thwarted Samoa's plans for expansive ball distribution, the resilient Samoan team didn't give up. They adapted their strategy, focusing on hard-fought carries in the center field, showing their determination and resilience.

Amidst the intense back-and-forth, the USA's relentless pressure was a constant force. It led to an error, allowing them to capitalize on opportunities and secure the first points of the game through Luke Carty's precise kicking.

Seizing momentum, the USA extended their lead as fullback Toby Fricker capitalized on a loose pass, dashing to the try line and widening the point gap. Unyielding in their pursuit, Samoa's determined phase play soon presented an opening. Rodney Iona swiftly retaliated and put his team on the scoreboard, penalizing an American misstep.

As the game progressed, the Samoan scrum showcased its might, earning crucial penalties and propelling the team upfield. Their strength was evident, but a momentary lapse in discipline saw their opportunity slip away, underscoring the intense back-and-forth nature of the contest.

The action remained locked near the 50-meter line, with both teams grappling with handling errors amidst the oppressive humidity, stalling their respective momentum.

Amidst this gripping showdown, Samoa opted for a scrum, securing another vital penalty and setting their sights on the posts. With remarkable precision, Iona's booming kick from nearly 50 meters narrowed the USA's lead, injecting fresh energy and determination into the Samoan side.

Despite the deadlock, the USA's strategic decision to aim for the posts with a penalty kick within their half proved fruitless, preserving the score at 10-6 as the halftime whistle blew.

At the commencement of the second half, the resolute Iakopo Petelo-Mapu, a standout performer in the semi-final, made a thunderous impact with a formidable tackle in the heart of the field.

Displaying sheer determination, the No. 8 surged forward, bulldozing through three American defenders before embarking on a breathtaking 40-meter run to secure a try, propelling Samoa into their first lead of the game.

As the tension mounted, consecutive USA infringements appeared to bolster Samoa's momentum. However, a contentious scrummaging incident saw the Samoan team pushed back to the brink of their own try line, culminating in a pivotal penalty that leveled the score.

Undeterred, Samoa unleashed their powerhouse ball carriers, embarking on a series of potent phases culminating in a seemingly decisive try. Yet, their jubilation was swiftly tempered as a prior knock-on in a ruck nullified the score, underscoring the relentless drama unfolding on the field.

Amidst the captivating ebb and flow of the game, the USA's sporadically unreliable lineout throws presented opportune moments for Samoa while both teams grappled with persistent handling errors. With the clock ticking down and the stakes escalating, Samoa opted for a bold attempt at the posts from the daunting 50-meter line, only for the ball to veer wide, leaving the outcome in the balance.

In the nail-biting final moments, Samoa relentlessly pressed for the game-defining winning try through a series of relentless lineout drives and scrums. Despite their valiant efforts, their aspirations fell agonizingly short, setting the stage for a heart-stopping conclusion.

The impact players of Samoa rose to the occasion when it mattered most, with Jonah Mau’u igniting a thrilling break-in center-field and Melani Nanai seizing the opportunity with characteristic flair.

In a breathtaking denouement, Nanai surged down the left touchline in a stunning display of speed and finesse, culminating in a spectacular try in the corner just three minutes from the final whistle. This match-winning moment unleashed a last stand by the USA, but a crucial knock-on brought the game to a dramatic close, cementing Samoa's hard-fought triumph with a final score of 18-13.