Tonga's 20-18 win over Samoa booked a World Cup semi-final against New Zealand on Saturday; Samoa will face Australia on Sunday night.
Addin Fonua-Blake scored the winning try with eight minutes remaining, but the occasion's intensity drew attention beyond the result.
Some 29,411 fans watched Tonga perform the Sipi Tau before Samoa answered with the Siva Tau, as pride and passion filled the stadium.
The match included errors, yet it showcased a fierce rivalry that prompted comparisons with State of Origin.
Jarome Luai, a five-eighth who has represented NSW in multiple Origin campaigns, said the crowd and support made the event comparable.
"There is alot of us that have played Origin as well, so yeah it's up there with the crowd, the people, everyone showing up for their country."
Luai also said a Tonga-Samoa Origin-style series would be special for Pacific nations and rugby league.
"There have been talks about having an Origin between Tonga and Samoa and just how special that would be. I think it would be pretty good," Luai added.
NSW Origin player Olakau'atu said the World Cup clash surpassed Origin, pointing to the crowds for two smaller nations.
"You know it's the way everything builds up to tonight. Having two of the smaller nations in the World Cup yet the biggest crowds I just think it does top State of Origin.
"It's everything I expected it to be."