A 90-minute lightning delay at Suncorp Stadium in Australia could not stop Samoa from recording their first Test win in three years and booking a ticket to the Pacific Cup final with a 34-6 win over Tonga.

Meanwhile, the win sent many locals into a frenzy as cars, loud music and celebrations rang through the streets in many villages.

The game came to a screeching halt in the 60th minute. With Samoa leading 16-0, referee Todd Smith directed players off the field due to lightning being in the area.

However, after the delay, Samoa were able to pick up where they left off, scoring three tries in the final 20 minutes.

Given they won by more than 12, Samoa are assured of a spot in the final in a fortnight.

The huge margin makes life difficult for their opponents, though. Tonga will need to beat New Zealand by 17 or more next week to progress to the final.

It was a brutal battle, particularly in the first half, with Samoa showing their intent early by laying on some bonerattling hits.

Jeremiah Nanai’s tackle on Tongan centre Tolu Koula inside the first 90 seconds set the tone defensively.

“This has been legally violent,” Andrew Voss said on Fox League.

Later in the first half, Junior Paulo levelled out Tonga hooker Soni Luke in a crunching tackle.

For Tonga, it’s back to the drawing board as they need to save their Pacific Championships campaign next week.

Samoa were well in control all game, and Tonga never really looked threatening at all.

Jeremaiah Nanai’s international form for Samoa has been first-rate. Nanai recorded a double, both from kicks, one of those off his own boot as he chased down a grubber from ten metres out.

The other try came about when he reeled in a Jarome Luai chip with one hand before beating a defender to dive over under the posts.

He finished with two tries, 25 tackles, 80 running metres and made a couple of brutal hits in defence.

With the sky angry above Suncorp Stadium, there were rumours circulating that the game could be called off due to the length of the delay.