Saturday 25 June 2016 10:15, UK
Samoa proved to be too strong for Tonga, who were beaten 30-10 in Apia in the final match of the Pacific Nations Cup.
Taking advantage of an early penalty try, Samoa sprang out to a 17-3 lead after only 16 minutes and reached half-time with a 20-point lead.
But in a repeat of last week's match against Fiji, when they led 16-3 only to lose 26-16, Samoa faded badly after half-time.
Tonga took control at set pieces to dominate the second spell but managed only one try against a resolute Samoa defence.
They had Samoa under pressure again when a dropped pass allowed replacement Danny Tusitala to break away for the decisive try.
Fiji had already retained the Pacific Nations Cup with a win over Samoa last week, after previously beating Tonga, who ended the tournament without a win.
Saturday's match in Samoa's capital was still important as matches in the Pacific tournament contribute to qualifying for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Samoa were awarded a penalty try after eight minutes for a deliberate knock-on by Tonga winger Otulea Katoa, who also received a yellow card.
Samoa's lead increased to 14-0 after only 11 minutes when lock Jeff Lepa barged through the Tonga defence from a lineout.
Patrick Faapale had taken over the No 10 jersey from influential fly-half Tusi Pisi, who missed the match with a broken hand, and ended the contest with 13 points.
Tonga's first half had been undermined by handling errors and disciplinary lapses but they overcame those faults in the second spell, taking charge at scrums.
The lineout was also more effective but they still struggled to breach the Samoan defence and it was not until the 61st minute that replacement Opeti Fonua crashed over following good work by Takulua and Sione Kalamafoni.
Tonga were also unable to take advantage when Samoa were reduced to 14 men when replacement Viliamu Afatia was yellow carded.
Samoa captain David Le said: "The first half was crucial for us. Like we did against Fiji last week, we started well but we didn't finish at the end."
