Rusiate Matai scored two late tries to give the Fiji Barbarians their first taste of victory in the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup in Nukualofa to beat hosts Tau'uta Reds 26-15.

The Barbarians, Fiji's Under-20 side, who are using the competition to prepare for the Junior World Cup in Japan next month had seen their advantage cut to just one point before the full back's brace of unconverted tries.

The Barbarians were leading 10-7 at half time after hooker Waisea Daveta's late try was converted by Kolinio Vunaki.

On Friday the Fiji Warriors were denied a victory over 2007 champions Upolu Samoa after Roger Warren's last gasp penalty snatched a 23-21 victory in Lautoka.