You heard it before you saw it. Even before Addin Fonua-Blake scored, the crowd told the story: Tonga got one over their Pacific rivals Samoa.
In a classic match at Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium, where the colour and the noise did plenty to breathe life into the World Cup on the eve of the knockouts, Tonga pipped Samoa 20-18 to book a semi-final date with New Zealand next Saturday. Australia, the reigning world champions, will host Samoa 24 hours later on Sunday night at Allianz Stadium.
Amongst the vibrant colours of red and blue, only one nation was left standing in the end as Fonua-Blake gave Tonga the last laugh.
The giant prop barged his way through Spencer Leniu to level up the scores for Tonga. All that was left was for Isaiya Katoa to bang over the conversion – and he didn’t miss the chance to lead Tonga into the semi-finals and set up their date with the Kiwis.
Despite being outscored four tries to three, Katoa’s boot proved to be the difference between the two sides as the classy halfback slotted all three conversion attempts and a first-half penalty.
In stark contrast, Samoa’s Chanel Harris-Tavita missed three conversions, including one midway through the second-half that forced him off with a hamstring injury, before replacement Ronald Volkman banged over a late conversion after enjoying a late cameo.
Tonga’s Robert Toia was named player of the match. The star centre’s dream year continued as he scored the opening try and ended up flattening his Roosters teammate Leniu, who had a miserable night.
In a tense opening 40 minutes, Samoa took an 8-4 lead into half-time after Brian To’o scored the first of two tries. But Katoa’s conversion and penalty proved important.
After being denied a first-half try by the bunker for dropping the ball over the line, Jojo Fifita made no mistake early in the second half as he ran in a simple try to extend Tonga’s lead.
But Fifita got a case of the fumbles soon after and Samoa seized the momentum.
To’o scored his second in the 50th minute, before Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow finished off a stunning try in the 63rd minute.
Five minutes later Samoa had their fourth try, as Volkman showed great strength to score to give the men in blue the lead. His conversion then put Samoa up by four points.
But Fonua-Blake’s try in the 73rd minute levelled up the score, before Katoa kicked Tonga to a slender lead.
Samoa had one late chance of silencing Tonga once and for all, but winger Sua Fa’alogo put a foot into touch as he dived over to score what he hoped was the match-winning try. It ultimately proved the fatal blow.
