American Samoa bowed out of the IRB Hong Kong 12-team International Qualifier tournament when Tunisia beat Talavalu 14-5.  But the game was close right throughout the match.  However, the Africans broke away for good at the buzzer with a try underneath the goal posts to seal the victory. 

Tunisia touched down four minutes into the first half and led 7-0 at halftime. Talavalu made some good breaks and threatened to score but spilled balls gave away opportunities.  With less than two minutes to go into fulltime, Pentateuch received a pass from Maugalei William Ve’ave’a and cleared two tacklers to score.  But he missed the crucial conversion that would have tied the match.

A Tunisian was sent off the field for slapping a Talavalu player and with a minute to go American Samoa found itself in an excellent position to create an upset with the opposition down to six players.

But with 30 seconds to go, Ve’ave’a was cited for a late tackle infringement and was sent off the field.  With no time left, Tunisia was awarded a penalty and from behind the halfway, the Africans sent one of their fastest playmakers underneath the posts for a 14-5 win against the American Samoans.

Click to read about games 1and 2 plus photos.