Scrumhalf Henry Seniloli scored a hat-trick as Fiji retained the Pacific Nations Cup title with a 38-16 win against Samoa in Apia on Saturday.

The result saw Tonga finish second in the competition and qualify for the 2019 World Cup as Oceania 2. They will be in Pool C with England, France, Argentina and the USA.

Samoa can still qualify for the World Cup, though, via a play-off against the winner of Czech Republic or Portugal versus the second-placed team in the Europe Championship (excluding Georgia, who have already qualified) for a place in Pool A.

Samoa – Try: David Lemi. Conversion: Tusiata Pisi. Penalties: Pisi (3).
Fiji – Tries: Henry Seniloli (3), Jale Vatubua, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa. Conversions: Ben Volavola (5). Penalty: Volavola.

Samoa – 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Alapati Leiua, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Reynold Lee-Lo, 11 David Lemi (c), 10 Tusiata Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotualii, 8 Faifili Levave, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Piula Faasalele, 5 Faatiga Lemalu, 4 Chris Vui, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Elia Elia, 1 Jordan Lay.
Subs: 16 Seilala Lam, 17 Nephi Leatigaga, 18 James Lay, 19 Galu Taufale, 20 Vavae Tuilagi, 21 Auvasa Falealii, 22 D’Angelo Leuila, 23 Ahsee Tuala

Fiji – 15 Timoci Nagusa, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 12 Jale Vatubua, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Henry Seniloli, 8 Nemani Nagusa, 7 Akapusi Qera (c), 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 1 Campese Maáfu
Subs: 16 Sunia Koto, 17 Joeli Veitayaki, 18 Kalivati Tawake, 19 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 20 Viliame Mata, 21 Frank Lomani, 22 Eroni Vasiteri, 23 Josua Tuisova.

Photo: @fijirugby/Twitter