After beating Tonga in the tournament opener on June 11 (Saturday), the Fijians knew a second victory would seal the title and they didn't disappoint their fans at the ANZ National Stadium in Suva.

They did things the hard way, however, having to battle back from a 13-point deficit before eventually getting over the line.

This echoed the clash with Tonga, which saw Fiji 15-0 down at one stage before a 23-18 victory.

Tusi Pisi kicked three penalties for the Samoans in the first half with Moto Matu'u also crossing for a try which was converted.

Fiji only had Seremaia Bai's penalty to show for their efforts shortly before the break as they trailed 16-3, but Sunia Koto barged over for a try to ensure they went in at the break on a positive note.

Bai converted and the gap was cut to just 16-10.

In the second-half, Samoa were unable to get on the board as Bai kicked three unanswered penalties to put his side 19-16 in front.

The contest - and tournament - was then settled when winger Patrick Osborne went over the whitewash for an 87th minute try that Bai converted.

Samoa will now entertain Tonga at Apia Park on June 25 in the final game of the competition.

It still holds importance as the top two teams on aggregate from this year and next year's Nations Cup will book their place at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The third-place country will face a play-off with a European nation.