MANU Samoa revitalized its World Rugby Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup campaign with a decisive 43-17 victory over Ikale Tahi Tonga in Apia on Friday. This bonus-point win positions Samoa among the top two teams in Pool A, tying them with Fiji at five points, although Samoa has played one match more.
The game also marked a significant occasion for Samoa Rugby, as it celebrated its 100th anniversary as a test-playing rugby nation while extending its remarkable 44-year winning streak over Tonga in Apia to 20 matches. Since their inaugural clash in 1926, Samoa has secured 39 victories against Tonga’s 26, alongside two draws.
Samoa has been particularly dominant in the professional era within its capital. After a disappointing 42-16 loss to Fiji in their opening match, head coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger made six personnel changes and one positional shift for this encounter.
Tonga, competing in its first PNC match of the year, started robustly, but it was Samoa that struck first with a converted try from outside center Stacey Ili. Halfback Melani Matavao set up Tuna Tuitama, a recruit from Moana Pasifika, for Samoa’s second try, expanding their lead to 14-0. A converted penalty just before halftime increased Samoa’s advantage to 17-0.
Despite Tonga’s spirited response in the second half, fundamental errors and weak defense hampered their efforts, allowing Samoa to score an additional 26 points. As Samoa enjoys its position in second place, Tonga now faces a must-win scenario against the FIJI Water Flying Fijians.
The two teams are scheduled to meet in Nuku’alofa on September 6. The third-placed team from the Pacific pool will go on to face the third-placed team from the Asia pool, which includes Japan, Canada, and the United States. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals in Tokyo.