MANU Samoa ground out a bonus-point 34-15 win against a stubborn Japan side in round two of the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup competition at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, yesterday.
Japan led 15-12 midway through the second spell but Samoa's greater size and experience took their toll as they finished six-tries-to-two winners.
Samoa's first half tries underlined the dominance of their pack, including a penalty try after 23 minutes when Japan illegally disrupted a drive towards the line from a five-metre scrum.
Japan, who dominated territory until well into the second half, were also partly undone by handling and tactical errors.
They were unable to turn their dominance of possession in the first spell into a lead, going into the break with Samoa 12-3 ahead.
The Pacific islanders drove over for their second from an attacking lineout eight metres out, with prop Justin Va'a emerging from the back of the maul to score.
Japan hit back twice in the first 12 minutes of the second half through full back Jack Tarrant and winger Hirotoki Onozawa to take the lead briefly at 15-12.
The introduction of replacement halfback Junior Polu saw Samoa back in rhythm.
Polu was able to deliver quick ball which caught the Japanese wanting out wide and resulted in three tries.
Big Samoan winger Sai-losi Tagicakibau broke through several tackles before outpacing the cover defence to restore his team's lead midway thro-ugh the spell.
Hooker Mahonri Schwa-lger and replacements Ese-ra Lauina and Semo Sititi all added tries in the final quarter as the Japanese challenge dissolved.
For Samoa, the win puts them back in the hunt after their narrow 16-17 loss to the Junior All Blacks.
It was also a good hit-out before the Pacific islands clash against Tonga next weekend.
Japan faces the Junior All Blacks who will be after their third win of the 2009 tournament.