APIA, Samoa (AP) Scrumhalf Henry Seniloli scored a hattrick of tries as Fiji beat Samoa 38-16 in the final match of the Pacific Nations Cup Saturday to propel Tonga into the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Center Jale Vatubua and replacement Api Ratuniyawara also scored tries as Fiji ran away from Samoa after trailing 16-14 at halftime. Flyhalf Ben Volavola kicked six goals from six attempts, converting all of Fiji’s five tries and adding a penalty from 55 meters.
Fiji had sealed its own qualification for the 2019 World Cup in Japan ahead of Saturday’s match. But Samoa needed at least a bonus point in defeat to prevent Tonga claiming the second automatic qualifying place from Oceania.