Samoa have consolidated second spot in Pool D at the Rugby World Cup after a convincing 27-7 win over Fiji on Sunday.
Samoa have kept their quarter-final hopes alive, but only just after a 27-7 win over Fiji in front of over 60,000 fans at Auckland's Eden Park on Sunday.
Just as the match looked to be heading towards a try-less encounter, three quick tries - two to Samoa and one to Fiji - ensured the crowd of 60,327 were treated to an entertaining clash in the debut match between the two sides at a World Cup.
Replacement hooker Ti'i Paulo will not have too many fond memories, after the Samoan No.16 was knocked out in a heavy collision with George Stowers in a tackle that saw him need to be stretchered off the field.
The win saw Samoa maintain second in Pool D, but their place in the quarter-finals still relies on them beating leaders South Africa in their final round-robin match.
The early rain failed to dampen the mood of the large crowd that filled the stadium, and the enthusiasm reached a climax when the Fijian war dance - the cibi - and the Samoan war dance - the Manu Siva Tau - were performed in unison.
The patriotism continued as chant battles between opposing supporters escalated in anticipation of a thrilling clash between two Pacific Island neighbours.
Despite looking to burst through the Fijian defence on a number of occasions, Samoa had to be content with two early penalties through fly half Tusi Pisi to give themselves a 6-0 lead after 10 minutes.
Pisi doubled that lead with a dropped goal and a further penalty as Samoa signalled they were prepared to take any points that were available to them.
Fiji, by stark contrast, lacked any momentum on attack, giving away too much possession as they tried to play a style seen on the international Sevens circuit. The greasy ball also didn't help the Fijians' fortunes, and they trundled off into the sheds trailing 0-12.
After going behind by another Pisi penalty early in the second half, Fiji began to attack knowing their participation at the tournament was at stake.
Instead it was Samoa who turned on the swagger through former Crusaders halfback Kahn Fotuali'i, who scored the match's opening try.
It did not faze Fijian supporters, however, who started some celebrating of their own through a Mexican wave.
Lock Netani Talei ensured the supporters had more to celebrate soon after when he scored beside the posts.
But as has been their problem all tournament, Fiji's inability to defend after scoring saw Stowers receive a beautiful pass from Murray Williams to restore Samoa's advantage to 20 points with six minutes to play.
Fiji looked like they would have the last say twice in the match, but their two missed opportunities succinctly summarised their afternoon.