Source : the age
You heard it before you saw it. Even before Addin Fonua-Blake scored, the crowd told the story: Tonga got one over their Pacific rivals Samoa.
In a classic match at Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium, where the colour and the noise did plenty to breathe life into the World Cup on the eve of the knockouts, Tonga pipped Samoa 20-18 to book a semi-final date with New Zealand next Saturday. Australia, the reigning world champions, will host Samoa 24 hours later on Sunday night at Allianz Stadium.
Amongst the vibrant colours of red and blue, only one nation was left standing in the end as Fonua-Blake gave Tonga the last laugh.
The giant prop barged his way through Spencer Leniu to level up the scores for Tonga. All that was left was for Isaiya Katoa to bang over the conversion – and he didn’t miss the chance to lead Tonga into the semi-finals and set up their date with the Kiwis.
Despite being outscored four tries to three, Katoa’s boot proved to be the difference between the two sides as the classy halfback slotted all three conversion attempts and a first-half penalty.
In stark contrast, Samoa’s Chanel Harris-Tavita missed three conversions, including one midway through the second-half that forced him off with a hamstring injury, before replacement Ronald Volkman banged over a late conversion after enjoying a late cameo.
Tonga’s Robert Toia was named player of the match. The star centre’s dream year continued as he scored the opening try and ended up flattening his Roosters teammate Leniu, who had a miserable night.
In a tense opening 40 minutes, Samoa took an 8-4 lead into half-time after Brian To’o scored the first of two tries. But Katoa’s conversion and penalty proved important.
After being denied a first-half try by the bunker for dropping the ball over the line, Jojo Fifita made no mistake early in the second half as he ran in a simple try to extend Tonga’s lead.
But Fifita got a case of the fumbles soon after and Samoa seized the momentum.
To’o scored his second in the 50th minute, before Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow finished off a stunning try in the 63rd minute.
Five minutes later Samoa had their fourth try, as Volkman showed great strength to score to give the men in blue the lead. His conversion then put Samoa up by four points.
But Fonua-Blake’s try in the 73rd minute levelled up the score, before Katoa kicked Tonga to a slender lead.
Samoa had one late chance of silencing Tonga once and for all, but winger Sua Fa’alogo put a foot into touch as he dived over to score what he hoped was the match-winning try. It ultimately proved the fatal blow.
Rob Toia is named player of the match. He had a cracker for Tonga. The centre started it all by scoring the opening try as he stood up the Hammer.
The Kangaroos will play Samoa in the second World Cup semi-final next Sunday night at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium.
Tonga, meanwhile, will travel up to Newcastle to take on New Zealand.
That’s our last four.
There it is. Tonga have won. They’ve won a classic in Parramatta.
Samoa 18, Tonga 20 – full-time
It’s a penalty to Samoa! Interference at the play the ball and Samoa decide against kicking for goal and find touch on Tonga’s 10m line. There’s three minutes left.
Oh dear oh dear. Samoa looked to have scored what shaped as the match-winner, but Sualauvi Faalogo had a foot into touch. Time running out.
Samoa 18, Tonga 20 – 78th minute
OMG. Tonga hit back. It’s the big man Addin Fonua-Blake, and he can’t believe it. The big prop scores. He took his time putting it down, running to the corner before turning around to bring it back closer to the sticks. He almost couldn’t believe it. It’s a big missed tackle from Spencer Leniu.
It’s a big conversion attempt with around five minutes left. Katoa makes no mistake. Tonga lead.
Samoa 18, Tonga 20 – 75th minute
Samoa have the lead! Ronald Volkman scores. He looked to have got flattened but he has the strength to keep powering his legs and he eventually rolls over Lehi Hopoate to score.
It’s a great try. It’s Samoa’s third straight one. And this time Volkman makes no mistake and slots the extra two points.
Samoa 18, Tonga 14 – 70th minute
Hammer! He’s over. The fullback scores. It was lovely from Samoa, with Luai running to the line and then sucking in defenders. Eventually, the ball is thrown back on the inside to Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow who dives over.
But the kick is away again. They’ve scored three tries to Tonga’s two, but they’re behind after missing three conversions.
Samoa 12, Tonga 14 – 65th minute
Oh, no! Samoa have blown a golden chance to go bang-bang. Benaiah Ioelu looked to have scored but he’s spilled it over the line as Lehi Hopoate makes a desperate trysaver to help dislodge the ball. It’s a huge chance gone begging.
Samoa 8, Tonga 14 – 57th minute
Brian To’o has a second try! Samoa hit back immediately.
It all started when Fifita dropped a clearing kick. Then a minute later, Tonga can’t clean up another bomb and this time it falls into Samoa’s hands and it’s quickly passed to To’o who scores. Centre Tolutau Koula was the man who dropped it.
It’s an important hit back for Samoa. But disaster has struck. Chanel Harris-Tavita has not just missed the conversion, but the five-eighth looks to have hurt his hamstring. He immediately pulled at his left-hammy and he’s off the field.
Samoa 8, Tonga 14 – 53rd minute
