MANU Samoa rejuvenated its campaign in the World Rugby Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup with a decisive 43-17 victory over Ikale Tahi Tonga in Apia on Friday. The bonus-point win places Samoa among the top two in Pool A, now tied with Fiji at five points, though Samoa has played one more match.
This game held special significance for Samoa Rugby as it commemorated its 100th anniversary as a test-playing rugby nation, continuing its impressive 44-year winning streak over Tonga in Apia, which has now reached 20 matches. In total, since their inaugural encounter in 1926, Samoa has secured 39 wins against Tonga’s 26, with two matches ending in a draw.
Dominating at home in the professional era, Samoa’s head coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger implemented six changes and one positional adjustment following their round one defeat, which was a 42-16 loss to Fiji in Suva.
Despite being Tonga’s first match in this year’s PNC, they started strong. However, it was Samoa that struck first, with outside center Stacey Ili scoring the opening converted try. Halfback Melani Matavao then set up Moana Pasifika’s Tuna Tuitama for a second try, bringing the score to 14-0. Just before halftime, a converted penalty put Samoa ahead 17-0.
Tonga attempted a comeback with increased energy in the second half, but their efforts were hampered by basic errors and poor defense, allowing Samoa to add another 26 points to their tally.
As Samoa secures its second position, Tonga finds itself in a must-win scenario against the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, with their match scheduled for September 6 in Nuku’alofa. The third-placed team from the Pacific pool will face off against 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.