Published 18 hours ago • loading... • Updated 23 hours ago
Pacific Pride Takes Centre Stage as Tonga and Samoa Face Off
On Sunday night, Tonga defeated Samoa 20-18 at CommBank Stadium in Sydney, clinching a Rugby League World Cup semi-final spot against New Zealand.
Ahead of the sold-out clash, Auckland shop owners sold nearly 1000 Samoan and Tongan flags over two weeks, reflecting intense community pride surrounding the tournament.
Samoa playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita left the field with a hamstring injury in the 53rd minute, while Addin Fonua-Blake scored Tonga's winning try after a Sua Fa'alogo error.
Australia awaits Samoa at Allianz Stadium next Sunday, while Tonga prepares to face New Zealand in the semi-finals after the pool stage finale.
Urging fans to celebrate safely, Superintendent Riki Whiu noted the tournament's role in uniting the Pasifika diaspora across global cities including Auckland.