Samoa is one victory away from securing their spot at the 2026 World Cup, having defeated their Pacific rivals Tonga 30-16 on Saturday night in Suva.
Samoa started strongly, building a 10-point lead within the first 10 minutes. However, Tonga mounted a determined comeback and was trailing by just four points with 15 minutes remaining. In the final moments, Samoa surged ahead, scoring two late tries to solidify their victory.
Under the guidance of coach Jamie Soward, Samoa will now face the winner of the upcoming Pacific Bowl match between Fiji and the Cook Islands. This pivotal game will take place in Auckland on November 3, and the winner will secure qualification for the RLWC2026.
Tonga’s journey for qualification has come to an end for this cycle. Despite a strong start and periods of dominance during the match at HFC Bank Stadium, Samoa found it difficult to maintain control and made several crucial errors.
Samoa’s performance was bolstered by standout players including Titans forward Sienna Lofipo, former Jillaroo Evania Pelite, and veteran Kiwi Fern Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala. Both Jessica Patea and Gold Coast rookie Sarina Masaga scored multiple tries.
After a quick start with tries from Masaga and Lofipo, along with a penalty goal from Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Tonga gradually found their footing and fought back, scoring their first try through Filomina Hanisi. Lofipo’s critical turnover just before halftime enabled Samoa to add two more quick tries, extending their lead.
However, they missed the chance to go up by 14 points when Piliae-Rasabale dropped the ball, allowing Tonga’s Manilita Takapautolo to score just before the halftime whistle, cutting the lead to 10.
Tonga gained momentum in the second half, narrowing the gap further with a try from Lavinia Tauhalaliku. They nearly equalized after forcing a knock-on from Pelite, but Takapautolo’s error prevented a potential game-tying score.
Samoa then regained control, showcasing impressive teamwork that led to Patea’s try. Lindsay Tui sealed the game with another try just before the final whistle, securing Samoa’s comfortable victory.