Samoa is one victory away from securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup after defeating their Pacific rivals Tonga 30-16 in Suva on Saturday night.
Samoa started strong, leading by 10 points within the first 10 minutes. However, Tonga made a determined comeback, narrowing the gap to just four points with 15 minutes remaining. Samoa responded decisively, scoring two late tries to clinch the match with a comfortable margin.
Under the guidance of coach Jamie Soward, Samoa will now compete against the winner of the upcoming Pacific Bowl match between Fiji and the Cook Islands. This pivotal game, set to take place in Auckland on November 3, will decide who earns a place in RLWC2026.
Tonga’s hopes for this qualification cycle have now come to an end. Despite a strong start and looking dominant for most of the match at HFC Bank Stadium, Samoa found it challenging to maintain their lead, often hampered by untimely errors.
Samoa’s victory was bolstered by standout performances from Titans’ forward Sienna Lofipo, former Jillaroo Evania Pelite, and long-time Kiwi Fern Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala. Both Jessica Patea and Gold Coast rookie Sarina Masaga scored two tries each.
After the early efforts from Masaga and Lofipo, along with a penalty goal from Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Tonga managed to find their footing around the 20-minute mark and began to compete in only their fourth Test match since 2008.
With Tonga narrowing the score after Filomina Hanisi’s try, Lofipo made a crucial turnover just before halftime, allowing Samoa to score twice in quick succession. Patea crossed in the corner following strong carries from Pelite and Nu’uausala, and Masaga added her second try down the right.
Yet, a potential 14-point lead was reduced when Piliae-Rasabale lost the ball at the start of the second half, allowing Manilita Takapautolo to score for Tonga, cutting the deficit to 10. This sparked renewed energy for Tonga, who got within four points again thanks to Lavinia Tauhalaliku’s try, converted by Emmanita Paki.
An opportunity for Tonga to tie the game was missed when Takapautolo fumbled the ball after a knock-on from Pelite. Samoa then regained control with a brilliant play that led to Patea securing another try, and Lindsay Tui capped it off moments later, sealing the victory with five minutes left on the clock.