Tonga out muscled Samoa 32‑18 in last night’s Rugby League World Cup pool match in Hamilton, setting up a winner‑takes‑all clash with New Zealand next week.
Tonga enjoyed 58% possession, nabbing five tries to three.
Samoa will play for third place in the pool against Scotland.
A week of build‑up was marred by violence and ugly scenes in South Auckland and raised fears for more potential clashes despite calls for calm and respect from concerned police and pleading Tongan and Samoan players.
But fans packed the stadium, they sang and prayed together, painting each other's faces with their respective flags, and the Tongan and Samoan players simultaneously performed the Sipi Tau and Siva Tau together as one before a buoyant crowd.
Meanwhile in other matches last night, England defeated Lebanon 29-10 while New Zealand beat Scotland 74-6.
The Vodafone Fiji Bati will be taking on Wales at 9.30 tonight.
Papua New Guinea will take on Ireland at 7pm while Italy will also take on USA at 7pm.
Source: Stuff.co
