Toa Samoa enjoys win, fans in Canterbury ahead of Oceania Cup test

By Thomas Airey 26 October 2019, 5:00PM

Toa Samoa thrashed the Canterbury Bulls 56-10 on Friday night in their one and only hitout before taking on Fiji next Saturday.

The Toa built a 32-0 lead by halftime at the Nga Puna Wai Sports Hub in Christchurch, and got up to 52 points unanswered before Canterbury finally scored.

Despite the lopsided scoreline, the game was seen as a success, both in helping the Toa prepare for their Oceania Cup test against the Bati, and for allowing Christchurch’s Samoan community to embrace their rugby league heroes.


However notably absent from the Toa was Brisbane Broncos winger/fullback and Christchurch native, Jamayne Isaako.

The 23-year-old made his debut for Samoa against Papua New Guinea in June, but chose to return to representing New Zealand, and played in the Kiwis 26-4 loss to the Kangaroos on Friday night.

The Toa will travel to Auckland this week for what is a crucial Oceania Cup match with Fiji.

A win would see them take out the Oceania Shield, and book a spot in the top-tier competition with Australia, New Zealand and Mate Ma’a Tonga for next year.

The team are hosting a fan day at Mangere East Rugby League Club next Wednesday, before the test match at Eden Park kicking off at 3:20 pm on Saturday Samoan time.

Toa Samoa lineup that defeated Canterbury Bulls:

1 Lalotoa Mata'afa
2 Jorge Taufua
3 Tim Lafai
4 Joey Leilua
5 Brian To'o
6 Marion Seve
7 Jarome Luai
8 Junior Paulo
9 Danny Levi
10 Martin Taupau
11 Luciano Leilua
12 Michael Chee Kam
13 Bunty Afoa

14 Dunamis Lui
15 Moses Leota
16 Ligi Sao
17 James Gavet
18 Ronaldo Mulitalo

Tags

Rugby league
Toa Samoa
By Thomas Airey 26 October 2019, 5:00PM

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