Samoa 27-13 Tonga, Lautoka
Samoa outscored Tonga four tries to one at Churchill Park, Lautoka to run out comfortable winners in a match that was as physical and confrontational as the fixture might suggest.
Tongan fly half Pierre Hola gave his side an early three-point lead and, although Samoa responded with two first half tries, their inability to land the conversions and capitalise on further opportunities that came their way meant that they failed to exert full control on the game.
Centre Gavin Williams crossed as early as the sixth minute to edge the Samoans ahead but Hola’s boot was the next to strike in the 37th minute to restore Tonga’s lead. A minute before the break Samoa number eight and captain George Stowers powered over for a second unconverted try.
The Samoans were more clinical after the break and quickly into their stride as left wing Sailosi Tagicakibau scored as early as the first minute, a try converted by Ki Anufe.
Hola erred with a penalty chance on 53 minutes and, perhaps sensing the Tongans’ deflated spirits, the Manu side struck with a fourth try two minutes later through Junior Poluleuligaga to make the score 24-6.
Replacement Muli Kaufusi crossed for the Tongans’ sole try on 62 minutes but the Samoans’ defence held firm against some further spirited attacks and Gavin Williams’ sweetly struck penalty rounded off the scoring on 73 minutes.
Tags: hola, lautoka, Poluleuligaga, stowers, Tagicakibau, williams
