The Melanesian rivals came out of the blocks firing on a wet and windy day in Tahiti, with New Caledonia drawing first blood before Vanuatu replied with three of their own.
Meanwhile, a much improved Tonga side were able to frustrate Solomon Islands and keep the scoreline below double figures to regain some respect after Wednesday's 23-1 humiliation at the hands of Tahiti.
The Solomon Islanders ground game proved an easier challenge for the Tautai who suffered from Tahiti's aerial dominance in their international debut on the sand.
