Island teams hot, cold

Two of the three Pacific Island nations at the World Cup won opening matches last night, but by vastly differing scores.

Fiji survived a late scare to beat the United States 19-18 in pool B as the tournament finally served up a match which remained a contest for the full 80 minutes.

Italy's pool D match against Tonga was also competitive until John Kirwan's Azzurri, inspired by debutant first five-eighths Rima Wakarua, scored a couple of late tries for a 36-12 victory.

But Samoa's 10-try, 60-13 drubbing of Uruguay in pool C, while entertaining, was another of the mismatches that have blighted the early pool games.

Centre Brian Lima, who has now played in all 13 matches in Samoa's four World Cup appearances, was one of two players - the other was Maurie Fa'asavalu - to score a couple of tries as they put on a fine display of team work and brilliant individual play.

The South Americans, who conceded 12 tries when losing 72-6 to South Africa in their opening match, competed manfully up front, but their defence was no match for the power and pace of the Samoan running in the loose.

It was a timely warning for pool C favourites England and South Africa, busy preparing for their match early on Sunday, that Samoa have a proud World Cup tradition and will not go out in the opening group stage for the first time without a fight.

"We are not here to make up the numbers," coach John Boe said.

In Brisbane, American first five-eighths Mike Hercus pushed a conversion attempt wide of the uprights with seconds remaining to allow Fiji to hang on for their victory.

Fiji first five-eighths Nicky Little was at his best with the boot, kicking four penalties and a conversion which ultimately proved the difference.

Rugby-mad Fiji's less-than-impressive performance, which came on top of the two-match ban on speedy winger Rupeni Caucaunibuca, was panned by the press. The top-circulation Fiji Times editorial said: "Our World Cup hopes are still alive ... but only just.

The editorial added that there was little to smile about. "The errors were many and glaring."

The Government-owned Daily Post also ran an editorial on the performance, headed "What a close call."

It said the side was "a far cry from the rugby Fijians are known for."

A buoyant American coach Tom Billups said the Eagles' next opponents, Scotland, were well within their sights.

In Canberra, peerless goalkicking from New Zealand-born Wakarua helped Italy to grind out victory over an ill-disciplined Tonga side.

Wakarua kicked 21 points from five penalties and three conversions to keep alive Italy's hopes of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.

"In the beginning I was a bit nervous, but with every minute that went past I got into it and really started to enjoy it," Wakaruasaid. He also set up Italy's first try.

- AGENCIES

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