Toa Samoa crushes Tonga

08 May 2016, 12:00AM

Tonga put fear into Toa Samoa with a spine tingling war dance prior to kick-off, but it was to be the last victory they had last night

Samoa ran in three tries in front of a packed Pirtek Stadium to win the Pacific Test, 18-6.

It was a passionate and physical affair, and tempers flared late in the first half but the spirit of the Pacific nations shone through.

Samoa’s tries came from Antonio Winterstein, Ricky Letele and Mathew Wright.

Toa Samoa led 8-6 at half time but it was Tonga who drew first blood. 

Earlier Papua New Guinea won a thrilling Test against Fiji 24-22.

Captained by David Mead, PNG struck early through Watson Boas. Fiji hit back to level the score then extend their lead to 16-8 before half time.

The Kumuls rallied in the second half, scoring through Kato Ottio right after play resumed. Watson Boas scored his second try in the 52nd minute, while Nene Macdonald also got his name on the scoresheet in the 71st minute.

Fijian winger Etuate Qionimacawa, who scored a hat-trick, crossed late, but PNG were able to hang on to record a memorable win.

Junior Kangaroos scored a convincing win over their New Zealand counterparts.

Samoa to host Fiji 

Samoa will host a historic Test match against Fiji in Apia on October 8 – Samoa's first official Test match on home soil.

The announcement was made today by ARLC Chairman and RLIF Deputy Chairman John Grant, alongside Rugby League Samoa Chairman and Asia Pacific Rugby League Confederation Chairman Tagaloa Faafouina Su'a, and the Fiji Rugby League Chairman Filimoni Vosarogo.

Along with supporting the match financially, the NRL will also provide one of its leading NRL referees along with senior staff and management.

Mr Grant said it was a fitting way for Samoa to celebrate 30 years of Rugby League in the country.

"The Pacific is a region we will continue to support," Mr Grant said.

"Our League Bilong Laif program in PNG and the Pacific Outreach Program in Samoa, Fiji and Tonga have been enormously successful, and are now delivered by 50 full and part time staff across PNG, Samoa, Fiji and Tonga.

"Today's Pacific Double Header showcases the talent in the region and the fact that Samoa will now host a Rugby League Test will continue to grow the game."

Rugby League Samoa Chairman Tagaloa Faafouina Su'a said he was delighted to celebrate 30 years of Rugby League in Samoa by hosting a Test match.

"We have come a long way in 30 years," he said.

"I'd like to thank our patron, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, and his Government, for their ongoing support.

"With the Pacific Outreach Program now embedded in our schools, and now a Test match in Samoa to look forward to, the game will continue to grow."

08 May 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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