Wales’ Rugby World Cup opponents Fiji defeated Samoa 39-29 in the Pacific Nations Final overnight, Josh Matavesi scoring two penalties and a conversion.
Having raced into a 17-3 lead early on, the Fijians were overhauled as Samoa launched a comeback to go 21-17 ahead in the third quarter.
However, three quick tries put Fiji into a strong position and their exciting running style was too much for the power based Samoans as they held on for a third successive title.
Fiji will face Wales, Australia and England, as well as Uruguay, at this year’s Rugby World Cup.
Earlier on at the same venue, the Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, hosts Canada suffered last gasp despair once again as they went down to the USA, 15-13.
Leading by a single point and with just seconds left on the clock the Canadians, with Jeff Hassler on the wing but missing Tyler Ardron through injury, had to watch as USA’s AJ MacGinty dropped an 80th minute goal to break their hears and condemn them to a 6th place finish after finishing in 2nd and 3rd in 2013 and 2014 respectively, having failed to win a single match.