‘One of the best games I’ve been a part of’: Taumalolo savours Tonga-Sāmoa classic

“Probably one of the best games I’ve been a part of.”

That was Jason Taumalolo’s verdict after Tonga XIII survived a frantic finish to beat Toa Sāmoa 20-18 at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium on Sunday and seal top spot in the combined Pool B and C standings of the Rugby League World Cup.

For Pacific fans watching into the early hours of Monday in Aotearoa New Zealand, it was a night that delivered everything this rivalry promised: huge hits, momentum swings, late drama and a packed stadium roaring behind both teams.

But for Taumalolo, it was the feeling around the match that made it so special.

“First and foremost, I'd like to thank the man above for bringing everyone here, not just a celebration of Sāmoa and Tonga but a game of rugby league,” the Tongan captain told Seven after the match.

“Just to see the red flags, the Tonga flags, Sāmoa flags, this is probably one of the best games I've been a part of and I'm truly blessed.”

Jason Taumalolo leads Tonga forward with the ball in hand against Sāmoa. Photo/Photosport/David Neilson

Tonga looked in control at times, only for Sāmoa to keep coming. Robert Toia opened the scoring with a brilliant individual try while Isaiya Katoa’s kicking helped Tonga build an 8-4 half-time lead.

Sāmoa hit back after the break through Brian To’o and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow before Ronald Volkman put them 16-14 ahead with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Then Tonga found another gear. Addin Fonua-Blake crashed through the middle to level the scores before Katoa’s conversion put Tonga back in front 20-18.

Tonga lay down the challenge with a powerful Sipi Tau before kick-off. Photo/Photosport/David Neilson

Sāmoa had one final chance to steal it after Sualauvi Fa’alogo dived for the corner in the dying minutes but Dallin Watene-Zelezniak did enough to force him into touch.

Taumalolo said Tonga knew exactly what Sāmoa would bring.

“Yeah, we knew tonight was going to be a physical game and it was going to be tough right from the start,” he said.

“We got to ourselves a little lead but Sāmoa being the electrifying team they have been the last two games and come out and really put points and made it a contest right to the last minute.

“A big shout out to the Sāmoan boys for tonight and it's a bloody tough game.”

The result sends Tonga into a semi-final against New Zealand in Newcastle next weekend while Sāmoa will face defending champions Australia in Sydney.

Stephen Crichton is left devastated after Sāmoa’s narrow defeat. Photo/Photosport/David Neilson

Taumalolo knows the challenge is about to get even bigger.

“Obviously, the Kiwis were enormous in their first game against Kangaroos and obviously the Kiwis and Australia are the benchmark,” he said.

“Tonight was a tough one, we had a short turnaround and hopefully the boys get some recovery and celebrate tonight, obviously the win, but just the chance to get to celebrate and celebrate all the families and all of our countrymen that came out here to support us.”

Sāmoa captain Junior Paulo said the result was painful but the occasion was bigger than the scoreline.

“Sorry we didn't get the job done but at the end of the day this is what it's all about, making both our people, both nations proud,” Paulo told Seven.

“You know, it was one of them games where you were looking forward to before the tournament even started and at the end of the day, you know, big credit to the Tongan boys, they showed up tonight and we knew it was going to be a tough one, but all love and blessings to both nations.”

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak takes on the Sāmoan defence in a fierce Pacific battle. Photo/Photosport/David Neilson

And for man of the match Toia, the sight of so many Tongan supporters was almost overwhelming.

“It's pretty humbling playing in front of these fans, especially rocking up from the bus and seeing how much the Tongan people out there came out for us,” he told the post-match interview.

“So it's pretty special and almost brought a tear to my eye.”

His message to those supporters was simple. “We love you and thank you for the support. Appreciate you always.”

Now both Pacific nations turn their attention to the biggest tests of their World Cup campaigns. Tonga against the Kiwis and Sāmoa against the Kangaroos.

The rivalry may be over for now. But after a night like this, the Pacific has two more reasons to believe.

Jojo Fifita scores as Tonga turn up the pressure on Sāmoa. Photo/Photosport/David Neilson

TEAMS

Tonga: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Robert Toia 5. Jojo Fifita 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Salesi Foketi 10. Jason Taumalolo (c) 11. Haumole Olakau'atu 12. Siua Wong 13. Tyson Frizell. Interchange: 14. Soni Luke 15. Stefano Utoikamanu 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Taniela Paseka 18. Leka Halasima 19. Latu Fainu. Reserves: 20. Paul Alamoti 21. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 22. Sione Katoa.

Sāmoa: 1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 2. Brian To'o 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Sualauvi Faalogo 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Jarome Luai (c) 8. Francis Molo 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Junior Paulo (c) 11. Connelly Lemuelu 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Francis Manuleleu. Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Shawn Blore 17. Ata Mariota 18. Clayton Faulalo 19. Ronald Volkman. Reserves: 20. Pasami Saulo 21. Enari Tuala 22. Deine Mariner.