Manu Samoa beat Tonga in their match in Apia. Photo: RNZ / Iliesa Tora
Manu Samoa turned the pressure up on Tonga in the second half of their clash at Apia Park on Saturday afternoon to run home 34-9 as winners in a tough and physical encounter.
Having led 13-9 at halftime in the Pacific Nations Cup clash, the Michael Alaalatoa-led side had the home fans on their feet as the game resumed after the break, showing some promise with their attacking play and hard forward drives.
The win gave them some confidence as they gear up for the Rugby World Cup in September.
Manu Samoa scored four converted tries and kept Tonga try-less in the 80-minute battle.
Hooker Sama Malolo scored the lone try in the first half while flanker Miracle Failangi, inside centre Duncan Paia'aua and replacement halfback Melani Matavao added one each in the second stanza of the game.
New flyhalf Alai D'angelo Leuila was almost spotless with his goal-kicking for the hosts, missing only one attempt and being successful with two penalties and four conversions for a personal tally of 14 points.
Tonga managed their points through flyhalves, William Havili and his replacement Otumaka Hausia, who between them kicked three successful penalties.
Manu Samoa and Tonga supporters turned up to cheer on their sides. Photo: RNZ / Iliesa Tora
Game progress
Havili scored the first points of the game when he raised the flags after a successful penalty conversion in the third minute of play and Manu Samoa responded with Leuila kicking his first penalty attempt.
The two forward packs exchanged hits as the game progressed with Alaalatoa leading his pack supported by prop partner Charlie Faumuina and hooker Malolo.
Failangi, Jack Lam and Steven Luatua combined to rattle the Tongan halfback combination of Sonatane Takulua and Havili.
The Tongan pack made some initial good drives with big Ben Tameifuna, Vaea Fifita, Sione Havili Talitui and Tanginoa Halaifonua making some through.
But over-anxiety and poor coordination at times saw Tonga lose possession in set-pieces.
The second half saw a different Samoa return to the paddock and with almost 7000 fans cheering them on they went to work early.
Their defence also improved as they kept the Tongans at bay.
Manu Samoa and Tonga clashed at Apia Park Saturday. Photo: RNZ / Iliesa Tora
Captain and coach happy
Samoan captain Alaalatoa said the first half was a testing-out period but they managed to turn the tides after inserting pressure in the second half.
"It was a bit of a feeling out period in the first half. We knew it was going to be a bit of an arm wrestle," he said post-match.
"It was good, we built some points and some momentum and that swung the momentum our way.
"We knew it was going to be an intense battle."
Coach Seilala Mapusua was happy with the win and what he saw.
He said that adds more headaches for him as he works on finalizing his Rugby World Cup squad.
"Our set piece became more cohesive for us and it became a weapon for us which was what we have been working on.
"It was pleasing to see some young guys work out and perform well."
He picked sevens rep and replacement halfback Matavao and young flanker Failangi as good performers who took the chance to show their worth.
He made special mention of Matavao, who scored a try after taking the field.
"He is just going from strength to strength and he will keep getting better with time. He showed good energy again when he came on."
He said the side has been tested now and they look forward to the world cup campaign.
"We've been tested and that's what the matches were for. It was not smooth sailing. We are sticking to the plan and I suppose we will know in September if that plan works."
Manu Samoa's team pray after their win. Photo: RNZ / Iliesa Tora
Tongans disappointed
'Ikale Tahi coach Toutai Kefu was disappointed.
"We just did not turn up to play. Not good enough and really poor performance," he said as he fronted the media.
"We did not quite get quality ball off the set pieces. It was still tight at halftime and the game was there to be taken in the second half."
Kefu said Samoa had more energy and the team found it hard to keep up with their hosts in the second spell.
He added the result and performance was a step backward for them.
"It was an important trial match for us as we had built some very good momentum in the past weeks and this was a step backward."
He congratulated Samoa and said they are going to be a good team at the world meet.
"Gotta give some credit to Samoa. They put a lot of pressure on us as well. They are going to have a decent team as well so we wish our Pacific brothers all the best at the World Cup and am sure they will do well.
"We started off quiet and we did not turn up to play and Samoa took advantage of that and credit to them for the win."
Manu Samoa will now meet the United Kingdom Barbarians and Ireland in warm-up matches before the world meet while Tonga will take on Canada in two Test matches in Nuku'alofa over the next two weeks.