Georgia secured a 20-16 victory over Samoa in Tbilisi, while there were also wins for Tonga, Romania and Spain on Saturday.

Georgia returned to winning ways courtesy of a dominant forward display. They outscored the ill-discplined Samoans two tries to one.

Despite conceding a penalty try, Samoa held an early 10-7 lead after veteran centre George Pisi crossed for a converted try. Georgia wrested back the momentum with a 10-point haul for a unassailable 17-10 advantage at the interval.

The second half wasn’t as competitive or action-packed as the first. Flyhalf Patrick Faapale succeeded with two penalty goals to get Samoa within a point, but fullback Merab Kvirikashvili sealed the win with a penalty of his own.

In other tier-two results, the USA Eagles – featuring winger Marcel Brache and replacement flyhalf JP Eloff – slumped to a 20-17 defeat against Tonga. Romania, who had lock Johan van Heerden in their side, beat Canada 21-16 in an enticing clash and Spain hammered Uruguay 33-16.

Photo: Tamuna Kulumbegashvili