In the second week of the Vodafone - Residents Tri Nations 15s Series it was the dominant Tokouso (Samoa/Tonga) forward pack that laid the foundation for their win, Tokouso winning by 22 points to 10 against Tabusoro (Fiji).

In the exciting and bruising encounter that was played on Saturday at the Avatiu field, it was the collective hard work of the Tokouso forward pack led by their front rowers Totoa Tuaia and Lua Tua-Trood that set up this win.

This allowed their skilled full first 5/8 Viiga Ruepena to direct play and keep the opposition guessing with his probing runs and accurate kicking, and more importantly to keep the scoreboard ticking over – Ruepena finishing with 17 points off the boot.

Although Tabusoro tried to open the game up, they actually outscored Tokouso by two tries to one, Tabusoro were unable to consistently build pressure with a lot of their efforts unrewarded.

Best players for Tabusoro were their dangerous backline; the halves pairing of halfback Savenaca ‘Juju’ Buresova and first 5/8 Nathan Nabou, powerful midfielder Tua Ravula and fullback Tevita Niusoma.

Tokouso led 6 – 5 at halftime.

Tokouso 22: Try - Tangi Akava, Conversion - Viiga Ruepena, Penalty (5) Ruepena. Tabusoro 10: Tries: Nathan Nabou and Savenaca Buresova.

This week’s rugby action on Saturday September 23 will be the third and final round-robin match of the Vodafone – Tri Nations 15s Series - Tabusoro vs Cook Islands Residents at 4pm at the Avatiu field.