Vancouver: Fiji have issued a warning to their World Cup rivals by winning the Pacific Nations Cup with a 39-29 defeat of Samoa in the final of the six-nation tournament on Monday.
The Fijians, who meet pool rivals England, Wales and Australia at the World Cup, were made to work hard by a gallant Samoa, who fought back from a 17-3 deficit to snatch the lead early in the second half at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Fiji lock Leone Nakawara scored a brace of tries, with winger Fa’atoina Autagavaia notching two for Samoa.
Fiji finished the tournament undefeated with three wins and a thrilling 30-30 draw against the same opponents.
Tonga won the third place play-off with a 31-20 win over Japan, while the United States edged Canada 15-13 to finish the tournament fifth.
