Fiji Warriors signalled their intention to become their country's first IRB Pacific Rugby Cup champions with a 47-8 defeat of the youthful Fiji Barbarians side in the opening match of the 2009 competition at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka on Friday.

The Warriors took just three minutes to open the scoring against the Barbarians - who are Fiji's Under 20 squad using the tournament to prepare for the IRB Junior World Championship in June - when prop Setefano Samoca touched down.

Scrum half Nikola Matawalu scored what proved the only try of the match for the Barbarians nine minutes later in the hot and muggy conditions in Sigatoka, but flanker Isireli Kaloucava restored the Warriors' advantage.

Only six points separated the two sides at half-time after Barbarians fly half Koroi Yaval kicked a penalty, but 14-8 was as close as his young side was to get as the Warriors took control after the break to run in five further tries.

Warriors captain and prop Alefoso Yalayalatabua scored the first of these in the 46th minute, with scrum half Aporosa Vata crossing 10 minutes later and repalcement Isake Katonibau the next to get his name on the scoresheet.

The final two tries came in last five minutes with first replacement Nemani Kenatale touching down before Kaloucava claimed his second try of the match against a young Barbarians outfit who can only learn from the experience.

The other two matches in the opening round see 2006 champions Savai'i Samoa entertain Tau'uta Reds at Apia Park on Friday, before the repeat of the 2008 final between champions Tautahi Gold and 2007 winners Upolu Samoa in Nuku'alofa on Saturday. 

Match details:

FIJI BARBARIANS: 1. Leong Kwong 2. Josaia Cikaitoga 3. Manasa Saulo 4. Josese Bolabasaga 5. Penisoni Ledua 6. Aseri Baleitamana 7. Luke Nakobukobua 8. Lemeki Damu 9. Nikola Matawalu 10. Koroi Yavala 11. Ilaitia Leka 12. Tevita Raogo 13. Kolinio Vunaki 14. Simione Ravaga 15. Kini Murimurivalu (Captain).

Replacements: 16. Ifereimi Lalakolabasa 17. Penijamini Makutu 18. Jovesa Tanikorolevu 19. Sainivalati Takailagi 20. Henry Seniloli 21. Anare Vakawaletabua 22. Tevita Taga.

Try: Nikola Matawalu
Penalty: Koroi Yaval

FIJI WARRIORS: 1. Alifoso Yalayalatabua (Captain) 2. Isireli Ledua 3. Sefetano Somoca 4. Ben Sadrugu 5. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa 6. Deryck Thomas 7. Isireli Ledua 8. Koresi Ledua 9. Aporosa Vata 10. Alipate Tani 11. Apisalome Waqatabu 12. Josefa Satini 13. Ropate Ratu 14. Isaia Nawaqa 15. Iliesa Keresoni.

Replacements:16. Viliame Veikoso 17. Viliame Seuseu 18. Rupeni Nasiga 19. Samuela Bola 20. Nemia Kenatale 21. Ravai Fatiaki 22. Isake Katonibau.

Tries: Setefano Samoca, Isireli Kaloucava (2), Alefoso Yalayalatabua, Aporosa Vata, Isake Katonibau, Nemani Kenatale
Conversions: Alipate Tani (5), Ravai Fatiaki