Dragons prop Aki Seiuli made his international debut for Samoa as a last-minute try from wing Nigel Ah Wong secured a thrilling 31-26 win over Australia A in Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup opener.
Seiuli started the game as Ah Wong’s second try of the contest handed Samoa an upset victory over an Australia A outfit that featured five capped Wallabies in its match day squad.
Samoa opened the scoring through hooker Seilala Lam and Ah Wong's opener extended the lead.
Trailing by 12 points with a man in the sin bin, Australia A hit back when two-test Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight dived over.
Centre D'Angelo Leuila scored cored Samoa’s third try as the Pacific Island nation took a 19-7 lead into the break.
Australia A struck twice within the space of five minutes to pull level after the interval - captain and halfback Ryan Lonergan and McReight the men to go over.
Half backs Jonathan Taumateine and James Tuttle exchanged tries before Ah Wong's late heroics courtesy of an intercept settled the game.
Samoa continue their campaign against Tonga in Lautoka next Saturday (1am kick-off UK time).
