After heavy defeats by Australia and New Zealand, the Samoa Under 20 rugby team are determined to restore some pride with a strong performance against Fiji in their final match at the Oceania Championship.
Australia scores another try on their way to a 43-20 victory Photo: Oceania Rugby / Sportography
The Baby Manu were thrashed 80-23 by New Zealand on Tuesday, having been outclassed 43-20 by hosts Australia on the Gold Coast last weekend.
Samoa coach Junior Leota said they have worked hard in training but need to replicate that effort come game-time.
"The coaching staff and management have done all we can do off the field to prepare these boys well but obviously if these boys don't do their homework on the position and don't front up mentally that's the sort of result we're going to get (like the first two games)."
"Going into the Junior World Cup we know now what to work on as coaches to prepare these boys mentally right. With tomorrow's game with Fiji it's more about pride than anything else really, to restore some pride back into our campaign."
Fiji were thumped 63-3 by New Zealand in their opening match but showed big improvements to push Australia 32-24 during the week.
Fiji captain Temo Sukayawa Mayanavanua Photo: Oceania Rugby
Captain Temo Sukayawa Mayanavanua said it would be a clean slate against their Pacific rivals.
"It will be really a big game. Fighting our Pacific brothers is not always easy - we will always expect physical encounters with them - and just to ask the boys if we could also stay humble. Don't let this game (against Australia) interfere with our preparation against Samoa," he said.
Meanwhile New Zealand and Australia will also square off today with the winner to be crowned Oceania Rugby Under 20 Champions.
