Whenever arch-rivals Tonga and Samoa go head-to-head in an international rugby league fixture – expect fireworks. That was the case once again in the Rugby League World Cup quarter-final at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium recently – with the pair of Pacific Island nations treating fans to one of the best games of international rugby league in a number of years.
Tonga entered the match-up undefeated through the tournament’s group stages, defeating Papua New Guinea (18-12), Wales (32-6) and the Cook Islands (92-10) en route to securing the top spot of Group D. As a result, the Kristian Woolf-coached side were the favourites in the rugby league world cup odds to progress to the semi-final against England at Emirates Stadium in London.
Conversely, although the Samoans were entering their quarter-final in red-hot form that saw them make light work of Greece and France by a combined margin of 126 points – their 60-6 thrashing at the hands of England in their first group game ensured many pundits were skeptical as to whether they are legitimate contenders for the Paul Barriere Trophy.
The Samoans are a star-studded squad however – and given the magnitude of the occasion and the level of passion that exists whenever these two teams play – it would be unwise to completely write Toa Samoa off in a do-or-die clash. That was proven on game-day, as captain Junior Paulo and his teammates defeated Tonga 20-18 in an absolute thriller.
Immediately from kick-off, the physicality and fast pace of the game was evident. Given the way in which both forward packs were battering each other every set of six – it was clear early on that it was going to be a battle of attrition. Samoa struck first, with halfback Anthony Milford laying on a beautiful pass to second rower Jayden Su’a to put their side ahead 6-0.
Tonga hit back through a try to winger Daniel Tupou, whose outstretched hand reeled in a cut-out ball from Will Hopoate to bring the score to 6-4. From there it was a back-and-forth affair, with Samoa registering a further two tries to Jarome Luai and Brian To’o – while Tonga’s Siosiua Taukeiaho and Sione Katoa crossed the white line to set up a nail-biting 20-18 scoreline with just nine minutes remaining.
With the ball in attacking position and just a minute left on the clock – it appeared as though Tonga were going to steal it late and book a semi-final rematch with England – who beat them 20-18 at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. It wasn’t to be though, as Samoa defended their line valiantly to win by two points.
Their win sets up another clash with England, who defeated Papua New Guinea by 40 points in their quarter-final. The hosts have been incredibly impressive through four games at this World Cup – of which includes the aforementioned 54-point win over Samoa earlier in the tournament. However – Samoa have found their form and certainly have enough talent to challenge England this time around. At the time of writing, England are the favourites to progress to the final at Old Trafford, garnering odds of 3/8 – while Samoa are underdogs at 11/4.
Australia will play New Zealand in the other semi-final at Elland Road in Leeds.
