Samoa demonstrated their superiority over Pacific rivals Tonga with a decisive 34-6 victory in the thrilling Pacific Championships rugby league international at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, which was temporarily interrupted by a dramatic 90-minute lightning delay. The match captivated more than 40,000 fans, showcasing the excitement surrounding the event, held in the home ground of the reigning National Rugby League champions, the Brisbane Broncos.
The Samoan team asserted their dominance early, taking a 16-0 lead into the second half, thanks in part to standout performances from players like Jeremiah Nanai, who scored two tries, and Izack Tago, who contributed one. The match ignited with traditional prematch war cries from both teams, leading to a fiercely competitive first half where Samoa consistently took control.
Samoa opened the scoring when Blaize Talagi drew in two defenders, allowing Tago to breach the defense for the first try just minutes into the game. Nanai then showcased his skills with a remarkable try in the 28th minute, skillfully juggling a kick from Jerome Luai and sidestepping Tongan defenders to score under the posts. He followed this with another impressive try, chasing down his own kick and extending their lead to a commanding 16 points.
The lightning storm that halted the match introduced a tense atmosphere as players and spectators cleared the field just before severe hail and rain arrived. Upon returning, Samoa resumed their offensive with vigor, adding three more tries through Murray Taulagi, Payne Haas, and Chanel Harris-Tevita. Although Tonga managed to score a consolation try in the closing moments via Tolutau Koula, Samoa’s performance highlighted their readiness for the upcoming stages of the tournament.
With this victory, Samoa advances to the final of the three-team tournament, solidifying their position ahead of the final round-robin match between New Zealand and Tonga scheduled for this week in Auckland. The win serves as a testament to Samoa’s improving skills and competitive spirit, offering a positive outlook as they prepare for even greater challenges ahead.