Samoa edge Tonga

Samoa came away from Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku'alofa with a hard-earned 20-15 win against Tonga in front of 4,000 fans.

Tonga had led 9-0 after 30 minutes with three penalties to fly half Pierre Hola, before Samoa scrum half Uale Mai scored the only try of the first half, converted by full back Gavin Williams, to bring the score back to 9-7.

With Hola replaced at the start of the second half, Vungakoto Lilo kicked a penalty to extend Tonga’s lead to 12-7.

After a raft of substitutions on the hour mark, wing David Lemi scored a try for Samoa, again converted by Williams, to haul the away team into a two-point advantage.

Lilo edged Tonga ahead with a penalty on 67 minutes before Williams kicked two late penalties to grab the victory for Samoa.