The Savai’i Blues are the 2021 Samoan Island of Origin champions, after the side defeated the Upolu Maroons 26 – 24 in a thriller at Apia Park on Saturday,
The second season of the best of three representative series was just as exciting as the first, with both teams heading into the weekend’s clash with one win a piece.
The Blues kicked off the scoring in the match thanks to a penalty goal to Faafou Amate in the 5th minute, with the next points coming over just five minutes later when Junior Iati cross for Savai’i to extend the lead to 8 – 0.
Ati Junior Ati would across again for the Blues to push the lead out to 14 – 0 before tries to Pasia Tuifua and Faamu Tuaututo saw the Maroons close the gap to two points.
A late penalty goal to Faafou Amate allowed the Blues to extend their lead to four when both teams went into the sheds at halftime.
Atu Junior Ati would cross for his second try early in the second half to see the Blues jump out to a 20 – 12 lead.
Upolu would hit back through Live Unasa to close the gap to four points, before taking the lead through an eight point try to Tulolo Tulolo.
Savai’i would score the equaliser in the 78th minute through Andrew Wulf, before captain Faafou Amate kicked the match winner.
