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Fiji Time: 12:33 AM on Sunday 26 May

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Warriors brace for clash with Tonga

Rashneel Kumar
Wednesday, October 17, 2012

THE Fiji Warriors team is working on the recovery of the players ahead of its final Pacific Rugby Cup (PRC) clash against Tonga on Friday.

The Lance Whippy-coached national side which has already retained the PRC title, faced a torrid battle in their last-gasp 42-34 win over Samoa on Monday.

The Fiji Warriors, which made the first appearance in the Pacific leg of the tournament, were down 5-22 at break.

Man-of-the-match, hooker Isireli Ledua scored the lone try for the Leone Nakarawa-captained side in the opening spell.

The Fiji Warriors started the second-half with a try from Nemani Nagusa which was converted by Jiuta Lutumailagi.

Scrum half Henry Seniloli dropped a goal to bring the national side within fighting distance at 22-15.

Samoa A extended their lead from two successful penalties but Inoke Tuisese brought the Warriors back in contention with a try in the 55th minute followed by his second couple minutes later.

Jovesa Kunawave scored Fiji's fifth try followed by successful penalties from super boot Kolinio Vunaki to lead 35-32 before Tuisese got his third to seal the 42-34 win.

Team manager Aseri Rokoura said in a statement that Aisea Natoga had suffered a slight knee injury from an impact in the Samoa A game.

"However, this is minor and he should be back on the field tomorrow (today). Alifereti Cawanibuka also suffered from some muscle pains on his back after yesterday's (Monday) game, but that has improved.

"The Warriors will have their strength and power sessions tomorrow (today) morning followed by some sightseeing.

"Apart from that, morale is high and the boys are looking forward to their game against Tonga A on Friday."