Tonga recovered after losing its second-half advantage and beat Samoa 20-18 in Sydney. Addin Fonua-Blake’s late try brought the teams level before Isaiya Katoa supplied the winning conversion. A stadium-record crowd watched the men’s Rugby League World Cup match, which left Tonga facing New Zealand and Samoa meeting Australia in the semi-finals.
A late try from Addin Fonua-Blake and Isaiya Katoa’s conversion settled Tonga’s 20-18 victory over Samoa in the men’s Rugby League World Cup. The teams played before 29,411 people at CommBank Stadium in Sydney, Australia, a record crowd for the venue. Tonga will meet New Zealand in the semi-finals, while Samoa face Australia.[1], [2]
Tonga’s first breakthrough came in the 27th minute, when centre Toia ran about 45 metres to score. Katoa added the conversion and later a penalty, taking the lead to 8-0. Brian To’o replied for Samoa before half-time, leaving the gap at four points. Tonga extended the advantage to 14-4 early in the second half before To’o crossed again.[1]
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s try narrowed the margin further. Ronald Volkman then scored and converted to put Samoa 18-14 ahead, overturning the earlier deficit. Fonua-Blake forced his way through the defence to equalise, before Katoa landed the conversion. Samoa still threatened near the end: Sua Fa’alogo touched the sideline on one attack, and a forward pass stopped another in the final minute.[1]
