Ardie Savea, Jai Opetaia and Joseph Parker came with high spirits for the Toa Samoa game against Tonga in the Rugby League World Cup. Unfortunately, the three stars could not save Samoa from the force brought by the Tongan side.
Savea is the current All Blacks captain, Opetaia is a two-time cruiserweight world champion, while Joseph Parker is also an international boxer. Despite coming from different sports, the three icons are united by their Samoan heritage, and they came to support their team against their arch-rival. A wonderful game filled with passion and fighting for pride, Tonga went home with some bragging rights.
It was a sold-out end-to-end match at Parramatta Stadium as Tonga won by 20-18. However, beyond the action and drama on the field, some attention was paid to the stands, where Ardie, Jai and Joseph were watching.
HOW THE GAME WENT
The Tongans struggled to find a breakthrough during the opening exchanges. However, Rob Toia finally unlocked Samoa’s defence in the 27th minute. The Sydney Roosters centre powered through two tackles before scoring beneath the posts.
Isaiya Katoa added the conversion before extending Tonga’s advantage with a penalty. Samoa responded just before the interval through Brian To’o. The winger finished an offload to reduce the deficit to 8-4 at half-time. Both teams returned with attacking intent after the restart. Jojo Fifita crossed in the corner to strengthen Tonga’s position. However, To’o quickly answered with his second try of the evening.
Samoa gradually gained momentum as Tonga began showing signs of fatigue. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow then crossed before Ronald Volkman added another try. Their efforts turned the contest around, giving Samoa an 18-14 lead.
With only 10 minutes remaining, Tonga faced the possibility of defeat. Nevertheless, Addin Fonua-Blake delivered when his team needed him most. He powered over the try line with six minutes left.
Katoa subsequently converted under immense pressure. His successful kick restored Tonga’s lead at 20-18. Samoa could not find another response before the final whistle. The result sets up an exciting semi-final between New Zealand and Tonga. They will meet in Newcastle on Saturday at 10.05 pm.
Meanwhile, Australia will face Samoa in Sydney on Sunday at 10.05 pm. Both semi-finals promise plenty of excitement as the tournament approaches its decisive stage.
Elsewhere, Lebanon edged France 24-20 in an earlier dead-rubber group encounter. Abbas Miski delivered the decisive moment by scoring during extra time. His golden-point try secured Lebanon a memorable victory.