Tonga and Samoa will meet on Sunday night at CommBank Stadium in Sydney in front of a capacity crowd, closing out the group stage of the Rugby League World Cup, according to Fox Sports. The match has been sold out for weeks and is being billed as the most eagerly awaited fixture of the tournament.
The result settles both teams' semi-final paths. Fox Sports reports that the winner will face New Zealand next Saturday, while the loser will play Australia at Allianz Stadium seven days from now.
Why it matters
The fixture carries weight beyond the standings. Tonga and Samoa are longstanding Pacific rivals, and the Telegraph reported both camps framing the night as "a day of pride." The crowd is expected to be loud and partisan, with Fox Sports describing a raucous, packed house ready to rock the venue.
The timing adds to the stakes. This is the last group match before the semi-finals, so there is no room for a slow start or a rotation gamble. Both squads know exactly who waits on the other side of the result.
There is also recent history. NRL.com reported that Tonga are driven by the memory of a heavy defeat to Samoa in 2025, a result that gives the match an edge beyond the usual rivalry.
The line-ups
Tonga's spine features Lehi Hopoate at fullback, Tuimoala Lolohea and Isaiya Katoa in the halves, and Salesi Foketi at hooker. Jason Taumalolo captains a forward pack that includes Addin Fonua-Blake, Haumole Olakau'atu, Siua Wong and Tyson Frizell. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Jojo Fifita are on the wings, with Tolutau Koula and Robert Toia in the centres. Soni Luke, Stefano Utoikamanu, Demitric Vaimauga and Taniela Paseka make up the bench, with Leka Halasima and Latu Fainu named as reserves.
Samoa are captained by Jarome Luai, who starts at halfback alongside Chanel Harris-Tavita. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is at fullback, with Brian To'o and Sualauvi Faalogo on the flanks and Izack Tago and Stephen Crichton in the centres. Francis Molo, Benaiah Ioelu and Junior Paulo form the front row, with Connelly Lemuelu, Jermaine McEwen and Francis Manuleleua in the back row. Jazz Tevaga, Spencer Leniu, Shawn Blore and Ata Mariota are the interchange options, and Clayton Faulalo and Ronald Volkman are the reserves.
A rivalry with a wider audience
The match has drawn attention from beyond the usual league audience. ESPN reported on Samoa's next generation taking pride from community parades held around the fixture, a sign of how much the team's run means to supporters.
Fox Sports' live coverage noted an early flashpoint, with Luai producing a cheeky moment after a heavy hit, and a try from a 70-metre run by Sergis. The details underline the physical, fast-moving character expected of the contest.
For both sides, the group stage has been a build-up to this. A win sends a team into a semi-final against New Zealand with momentum; a loss means a meeting with Australia, the tournament's benchmark, a week later.
What to watch
The forward battle between Taumalolo's pack and a Samoa front row built around Paulo and Molo should set the tone, while the kicking games of Katoa and Luai will shape field position. Watch how each side handles the occasion and the noise, and whether the memory of 2025 weighs on Tonga or sharpens them.
The winner meets New Zealand next Saturday, and the loser faces Australia at Allianz Stadium in seven days.
