Hosts Fiji thump Samoa in Pacific Nations Cup opener

Flanker Kitione Salawa scored a hat-trick of tries on Friday as hosts Fiji thumped Samoa 42-16 in the opening match of the inaugural Pacific Nations Cup.

The home side scored six tries to one in the emphatic romp, chalking up 30 unanswered points after Samoa had led 16-15 at the break in Suva.

The Flying Fijians capitalised after Samoa wingers Pisi Leilua, who scored the visitors' only try, and Tuna Tuitama were shown back-to-back yellow cards for foul play in the second half.

Loose forward Salawa grabbed the first try of the game in the opening five minutes, then touched down twice after the break as Fiji started the competition on a high note in front of their home fans.

Centre Iosefo Masi, scrum-half Frank Lomani and full-back Vuate Karawalevu scored Fiji's other tries, while fly-half Caleb Muntz landed 12 points with the boot.

The Pacific Nations Cup is a new competition involving Fiji, Samoa and Tonga in Pool A, and Canada, the United States and Japan in Pool B.

Canada host Japan in the next match in Vancouver on Sunday, while Samoa host Tonga in Apia next Friday.

The top two teams from each group qualify for the knock-out stages to decide the competition winner when the final is held in Osaka on September 21.