LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Samoa has secured a spot in the Pacific Cup final, overcoming a lightning delay to dominate Tonga with a controversial 34-6 victory, largely thanks to the remarkable performance of second-rower Jeremiah Nanai.
On an eventful day for Test football, the crowd at Lang Park, totaling 44,682, represented the largest attendance for a Test match in Australia not involving the Kangaroos since 1957, when 50,077 witnessed a World Cup game between France and Great Britain at the SCG.
The match was interrupted 20 minutes into the second half due to thunder and lightning nearby, with Samoa leading 16-0 at the time. A hailstorm also affected the field conditions.
While many spectators sought shelter, the NRL estimated that around 15,000 fans remained to watch the conclusion of the game.
Samoa's halves, Jarome Luai and Blaize Talagi, assisted winger Murray Taulagi in scoring. Payne Haas and Chanel Harris-Tavita further secured the victory by crossing the try line.
To earn another chance against Samoa in the final, Tonga will need to defeat New Zealand by 17 points in their upcoming match next Sunday at Eden Park.
Tonga's prop, Stefano Utoikamanu, suffered a concussion just two minutes into the game after a high tackle by Samoa's Frank Molo, who was fortunate to avoid being sent off.
The match's intense opening reflected the charged atmosphere leading up to the game.