Rampant Tonga down Samoa in Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2025

Game two of the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup saw Tonga host Samoa, and it was a match that delivered all the high-tempo, heavy collision rugby the Pacific nations are known for.

After Canada upset the USA in the opening game of the day, it was Tonga’s turn to claim victory over a team sitting above them in the world rankings, and they did so in quite convincing fashion.

The ‘Ikale Tahi started well, with a short lineout move seeing hooker Siua Maile recollect the ball and sprint down the right edge. From that position, Tonga were able to claim the opening points of the game as Ben Tameifuna gave Siosiua Moala a hand getting over the line.

Tonga were hungry at the breakdown early, and Samoa struggled to keep them out of the contest. Collisions were heavy, and possession also changed hands as both teams spilled the ball in contact.

The Tongan lead was extended to 10 when Tameifuna won a breakdown penalty and Patrick Pellegrini nailed the penalty goal.

It was from another lineout that Tonga scored their next try, after competing on a Samoan throw and causing the ball to go loose. Sonatane Takulua was on hand to pounce as the ball bounced and he dashed towards, and over the try line.

The set piece battle was relatively even to start the match, but Manu Samoa’s first points of the game came via a scrum penalty 30 minutes in. A breakdown penalty allowed Tonga to respond minutes later with three points of their own.

The game broke open just shy of halftime, with the Tongan attack breaking the line from deep in their own territory, but after 60 metres and a couple of superb offloads, Melani Matavao managed to intercept the ball and chip ahead. The halfback was taken out after the kick, and Samoa took the three points on offer.

The hosts owned a 20-6 lead at the break.

Samoan inaccuracies kept play largely in their own half to start the second period, and while Tonga put some dynamic attack together, their handling let them down and stalled their momentum.

Both sides looked dangerous when they were able to get the ball wide, and it was through that expansive ball movement that Samoa finally got their first scoring opportunity in the second period, after 20 minutes.

Tuna Tuitama got the ball on the edge and put a chip kick through, forcing Tonga to ground the ball in-goal. From the ensuing scrum, Samoa started battering away at the Tongan defence, chewing through 11 phases before Tuitama was rewarded with a try on the other wing.

Down 12 with 15 minutes remaining in the game, Samoa were within reach, but made life more difficult for themselves with a late tackle, allowing Pellegrini to claim another three points for Tonga.

Samoa’s hopes for a win all but sank when they were penalised for playing the halfback, giving Tonga a lineout 10 metres from their line. With that opportunity, Tonga rumbled forward, and Samiuela Moli scored.

Manu Samoa had the last contribution in the match with a superbly worked try finished in the corner by Melani Nanai, but it was too little, too late. Full-time score: 30-16 to Tonga.