Rugby: Samoa and Fiji play out thriller

Samoa prop Anthony Perenise crossed for a try in their draw with Fiji. Photo / Getty

A late penalty has seen Samoa cling to a 30-30 draw against Fiji in a thrilling Pacific Nations Cup clash this afternoon.

In the mid-afternoon heat at Bonney Field in Sacramento, both teams put on a good show with plenty of attacking intent.

With both sides having picked up a winning start to the competition last weekend, their build-up for the Rugby World Cup continued, with Fiji putting in an impressive display against the favoured Samoans.

Samoa had won the last three contests against Fiji, but it looked like Fiji were in line to snap that streak today after racing out to a big lead.

Two early tries to Leone Nakarawa gave Fiji a 12-3 lead, and although Paul Perez answered for Samoa, a further try to Fijian fullback Metuisela Talebula saw Fiji take a 17-10 lead into the halftime break.

After the interval, it was all Fiji, with Gabiriele Lovbalavu crossing before a penalty made it a 17-point advantage after 51 minutes.

From there however, Samoa came roaring back into the game.

First, former Hurricanes and Highlanders prop Anthony Perenise dotted down after a patient build-up inside the Fijian 22, before Perez went over to make it a one-try game.

A try to TJ Ioane was then converted by Michael Stanley to tie the contest with just seven minutes to play, but Ben Volavola kept Fiji in front with a 75th minute penalty.

However, replacement first-five Patrick Faapale stepped up to keep Samoa's unbeaten run against their Island counterparts alive with a last-minute penalty, leaving the teams to share the points.

In the other Pacific Nations Cup game held today, Tonga beat Canada 28-18.