Samoa overwhelm Tonga in World Cup qualifier

Samoa took a big step towards qualifying for the 2023 World Cup when they produced a five-try second half burst to beat Tonga 42-13 in the first leg of the Oceania 1 play-off in Auckland on Saturday.

Despite an overwhelming territorial and possession advantage, Samoa were only ahead 6-3 at halftime against a plucky Tongan defence.

But they stepped up the pace in the second half and ran in tries by Ray Niuia, Alamanda Motuga, Henry Taefu, Ed Fidow and Stacey Ili, with Taefu landing three conversions and three penalties to finish with a match haul of 20 points. D’Angelo Leuila also kicked a conversion.

Viliami Taulani scored Tonga's sole try with captain Sonatane Takulua successful with the conversion and two penalties.

The winner on aggregate after the second leg next weekend will join England, Japan and Argentina in Pool D at the World Cup in France, along with the winner of the Americas 2 play-off.

The losing side will have one more chance to qualify via the vacant Asia Pacific slot in Pool B.

That will involve a game against the Cook Islands later this month with the winner taking on the Asia Rugby Championship titleholders where Hong Kong, Korea and Malaysia are in contention.

Pool B includes South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and the winner of the Europe 2 qualifying series.

Samoa have been in every World Cup since missing the inaugural tournament in 1987 while Tonga have only failed to compete at a Rugby World Cup once, in 1991.