Samoa proved too strong for rivals Tonga, taking a 25-17 victory to open their Pacific Nations Cup campaign in Apia this afternoon.
Despite playing the role of the underdogs in horrendous conditions at Apia Park, Tonga took the lead in the 11th minute, second-five Cooper Vuna crossing over for the first points of the match, a missed conversion giving the visitors a 5-0 advantage.
Tonga prop Ben Tameifuna was the next to score, going over from close range to give the visitors a 10-3 halftime lead.
After the break though, Samoa showed their worth, with centre Alapati Leiua scoring his side's first points, Ulupano Seuteni's successful conversion levelling scores at 10-10, before a penalty put Samoa ahead for the first time in the match at 13-10.
Tonga would take the lead once again, this time a try to replacement hooker Sefo Sakalia, before a yellow card to Sione Valianu reduced the visitors to 14.
Another yellow card, this time to Sakalia, would prove to be the undoing of Tonga, with Samoa running in two tries with their numerical advantage, Afaesetiti Amosa and Belgiun Tuatagaloa sealing the come from behind victory.
Samoa will continue their Pacific Nations Cup campaign against the USA in Suva next weekend, while Tonga travel to Japan to take on the Cherry Blossoms.
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