Samoa is just one victory away from securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup after defeating Tonga 30-16 on Saturday night in Suva.
Samoa started strong, quickly building a 10-point lead within the first ten minutes. However, Tonga mounted a determined comeback, narrowing the deficit to just four points with 15 minutes left in the match. In the closing moments, Samoa intensified their efforts, scoring two late tries to secure a comfortable victory.
Under the guidance of coach Jamie Soward, Samoa will now face the winner of the Pacific Bowl match between Fiji and Cook Islands, scheduled for November 3 in Auckland. That match will determine which team claims the final spot for the Rugby League World Cup 2026. Tonga’s quest for qualification has come to an end with this result.
Despite an impressive opening and maintaining the upper hand for much of the game at HFC Bank Stadium, Samoa faced challenges in putting Tonga away, with several costly errors hampering their performance. Standout contributions came from players such as Sienna Lofipo, former Jillaroo Evania Pelite, and long-time Kiwi Fern Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala. Additionally, Jessica Patea and Gold Coast rookie center Sarina Masaga each scored two tries.
After early tries from Masaga and Lofipo, along with a penalty goal from Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Tonga found their rhythm about twenty minutes in. They gained momentum when Filomina Hanisi scored, trimming Samoa’s lead to six points. A critical turnover created by Lofipo aided Samoa, who then scored two quick tries from Patea and Masaga before the half ended.
Tonga regained some hope just six minutes into the second half with a try from Lavinia Tauhalaliku, converted by Emmanita Paki. They had a chance to draw level shortly after but missed an opportunity when Takapautolo knocked on.
Samoa then surged ahead with a brilliant play leading to another try from Patea, followed by Lindsay Tui sealing the game with a final try just five minutes before full-time.