MANU Samoa revived its World Rugby Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup campaign with a convincing 43-17 victory over Ikale Tahi Tonga in Apia on Friday.
This bonus-point win places Samoa in the top two of Pool A, equaling Fiji with five points, though they have played one match more. The event was particularly significant for Samoa Rugby as it marked the 100th anniversary of the nation as a test-playing rugby entity, and the team continued its dominance over Tonga in Apia, having now won 20 consecutive matches there.
Since their first encounter in 1926, Samoa has claimed 39 victories against Tonga’s 26, with two matches ending in a draw. In the professional era, Samoa has been especially strong in their capital.
Head coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger made six personnel changes and one positional switch after their opening defeat to Fiji, which ended 42-16. Tonga, participating in its first PNC match of the year, started off strongly; however, Samoa was first to score with a converted try by outside center Stacey Ili.
Halfback Melani Matavao assisted Moana Pasifika’s Tuna Tuitama for their second try, widening the lead to 14-0. A converted penalty just before halftime gave Samoa a comfortable 17-0 advantage.
Tonga entered the second half with renewed energy but struggled with basic errors and defensive lapses, allowing Samoa to pile on another 26 points. While Samoa celebrates its position in second place, Tonga now finds itself in a crucial must-win scenario against the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, with both teams set to meet in Nuku’alofa on September 6.
The third-placed team from the Pacific pool will 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 Tokyo for the semi-finals.