Fiji face tough task against Samoa in Pacific final

Blockbusting Samoan winger Vaiga Tuigamala is expected to be just one of the hurdles interim coach Iferemi Tawake faces when Fiji takes on Manu Samoa in the final of the Epson Cup series at Tokyo Stadium, Japan, this Sunday.

The former All Black, known as "Inga the winger", was the surprise inclusion for Manu Samoa against hosts Japan in its semifinal encounter.

He played an instrumental role in the big win from the second five-eighth position.

The Wednesday outing for Tuigamala was the first for this season, as he had indicated earlier in the year he had decided to take a break from international rugby.

Fiji team technical adviser Conway Beg said they saw Samoan coach Joe Boe's decision to include Tuigamala in his starting 15 against Japan as a "ploy" and were putting in place measures to counter the move.

Mr Beg said they were wary of Tuigamala's inclusion. He said the side was not focusing only on him but the whole Samoan team.

The Lomaiviti club coach said Tuigamala's experience stood out, despite the former All Black's apparent lack of fitness.

"We had sensed that the Samoans might use Tuigamala. He did play well, despite his fitness level," said Mr Beg.

Samoa had a full squad with the exclusion of Brian Lima, who is expected to feature in the final.

Mr Beg said defence, possession, handling and penetration in rucks and mauls were some of the areas that were going to be addressed at training before the Sunday showdown.

He said there were some minor injuries to the players after the physical encounter against Canada.

"We have to tighten up our rucking and mauls to ensure good possession, penetration and handling. Defence will also be addressed," he said.

"Samoans, as usual, will be physical and we are addressing these areas if we are to do well."

The players had a recovery session in the morning yesterday at the pool and spent the second half with coach Tawake and Mr Beg analysing the recorded semi-final video tapes.

"There are some niggling injuries with a few players but nothing serious. They should all be ready by Sunday," said Mr Beg.

Fiji turned to unorthodox pattern of football after the break in the semifinals, which earned them six tries.

Mr Beg refrained from saying this would be the tactic against the Samoans.

He said the team's main priority would be to maintain possession, contain Samoa and open up play when the opportunity arises.

"I cannot say what our game plan will be but I can certainly say that we will be using the width of the field."

He said the weather was similar to Fiji, but more humid. He described the morale as "pretty good", adding that they have been receiving good support from the Fijian community.

Sunday's encounter will be the third for the two teams.

Both sides have won a match each with the forthcoming encounter promising to give Asian fans a taste of awesome Pacific football.

- FIJI VILLAGE NEWS