Samoa and Tonga fought out a ferocious contest in their first round meeting in pool C. The spoils went to Samoa and most certainly they deserved the win as Tonga denied much possession in the second half kept them out.

Half time and Samoa led 14-12 thanks to scores from Francis Meli, Nigel Vagiwa and Matt Utai, for Tonga Michael Jennings and Tevita Leo-Latu crossed the whitewash.

The second half was all Samoa as they blitzed the Tonga line. For all their endeavour they just had a George Carmont try to show for it and bring the final score of:

Samoa 20 Tonga 12

Scorers

Samoa
Tries: Meli, Vagana, Utai, Carmont Goals: Roberts (2)
Tonga
Tries: Jennings, Leo-LatuGoals: Williams (2)

Teams

Samoa: Smith Samau; Francis Meli, George Carmont, Willie Talau, Matt Utai; Nigel Vagana (capt), Ben Roberts; Kylie Leuluai, Terrence Seuseu, Tony Puletua, David Solomona, Lagi Setu, Harrison Hansen.
Replacements (from): Frank Puletua, David Faiumu, Joseph Paulo, Ali Lauitiiti, Alby Talipeau.

Tonga: Michael Jennings; Cooper Vuna, Fetuli Talanoa, Etuate Uasisele, Esikeli Tonga; Feleti Mateo, Joel Taufaao; Antonio Kaufusi, Tevita Leo-Latu, Awen Guttenbeil; Lopini Paea (capt), Richard Fa’aoso, Willie Manu.
Replacements: Manase Manuokafoa, Epalahame Lauaki, Sam Moa, Mickey Paea.