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In what was an enthralling game of Rugby League, despite low completion rates and generally poor execution, Samoa have recorded a 12-point victory in the Pacific Test against Tonga at Pirtek Stadium.
REPORT: SAMOA WIN CLASSIC TEST
In a game that was marred by errors, it was the passion, atmosphere and flat out will to win from both teams that made the match what it was. No one was backing out of challenges, slowing down or giving anyone anything.
The attack was questionable at best from both sides, but for Samoa, Fa’amanu Brown really rose to the fore during the second half to pilot his side home, taking over from Pita Godinet who ran the gauntlet solidly in the first half.
There wasn’t much to split the forwards at all, but for Samoa again they managed to take a slender advantage with Junior Paulo and Sam Kasiano leading the way. John Asiata also kept things rolling off the bench strongly.
David Fusitu’a was best on ground for Tonga, looking extremely dangerous with the ball and running for 160 metres in just 11 runs. He made breaks, offloads and so nearly could have had a few tries.
David Fifita also had a lot of impact off the bench, and stopped the rest of the Samoa forward pack from dominating the match. He ran the ball incredibly hard, making almost 180 metres.
Tonga came flying out of the gates and would score after just four minutes, stacking the pressure onto the Samoa line through Mosese Mangai off a cross field kick from Feleti Mateo, who’s kicking game was fantastic early on.
Antonio Winterstein would answer back for Samoa 10 minutes late, crashing over in the corner.
Frank Pritchard had a try denied by the video referee as well on the run to halfway, and you have to wonder if it could have opened the floodgates.
Right on the halftime siren, Samoa would pick up a penalty, and slot over the kick to go ahead by 2.
After halftime, the Samoan team were stuck on their line for a majority of the first 10 minutes, but it didn’t matter what Feleti Mateo and the Tongan’s tried they couldn’t crack the defence which had seriously aimed up after half time.
Of course, they wouldn’t have been stuck on their line like they were if they hadn’t of committed errors at the start of the first half.
They eventually broke the trend of the first half, with Ricky Leutele crossing on the left hand side after Fa’amanu Brown took on the line and passed it off to the left, holding it up through a tackle well.
The game went back and forth for the next 20 minutes with both teams looking creative but blowing countless opportunities to either create a grandstand finish or put the game away.
Eventually, Samoa managed to score through Matthew Wright in the right hand corner as they went down the short side – simply putting the icing on the cake.
In the end, a great performance from Samoa on a momentous night for the occasion as a match was announced against Fiji – the first international Rugby League to be ever played within Samoa.
Score
Toa Samoa 18
Mate Ma’a Tonga 6
Fierce rivals Samoa and Tonga renew hostilities in their 2016 Pacific Test match at Pirtek Stadium in Parramatta. Join The Roar for live coverage of what should be a fiery encounter from 7:40pm (AEST).
When the sides met last year, it was a memorable encounter as Samoa emerged with a two-point victory on the Gold Coast. The passion on display from both teams, fighting for their country, was incredible to see – neither team was going to lie down and say no.
While both teams have named solid backlines, it is the forward packs where this game will be won and lost. It is also the forward packs that will make it entertaining, and add a stack of feeling to the match.
Samoa have opted for Sam Kasiano and Junio Paulo up front, with Leeson Ah Mau added to the second row along with Sauaso Sue at lock. Intriguingly, both sides have a player from the English Super League in the fold, with Frank Pritchard playing for Samoa and Sika Manu for Tonga.
Tonga have Peni Terepo and Felise Kafusi in the front row, so no question there is plenty of size about that as well. Tony Williams and Joe Ofahengaue are the other two in the forward pack, and it almost appears the Tongan’s have actually gone for speed, to try and tire the Samoa forward pack that way.
The only problem with that tactic is the Samoa bench. John Asiata, Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Sam Tagatese are all exceptional NRL role players from the bench, and can all add plenty of impact to a side.
Feleti Mateo, who has been named in the halves for Tonga will need to play a very controlling type of game. His kicking game will need to be near perfect, trying to create confusion in the unfamiliar back three for Samoa of Tim Simona, Anthony Winterstein and Matthew Wright.
You feel that Simona, and his opposite fullback David Fusitu’a will have a big part to say about this match. Both have the ability to run the ball strongly, but that of Fusitu’a seems to be ahead in leaps and bounds. Simona must match it at the back to help his massive forward pack get rolling, or else the pace of Tonga could cause all sorts of problems.
Prediction
This should be a cracker of an encounter. At the same time, I can see Samoa wearing down Tonga early on with their pack, and their bench also looks stronger. They should get the job done in a low scoring game.
Samoa by 2.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the 2016 Pacific Test from 7:35pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde