It was the most anticipated game of the group stages, and it was clear to see why as Tonga and Samoa did battle and both booked their spots in the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals.
Tonga beat Samoa 20-18 in the final group match in an electrifying battle between the two nations that have grown into rugby league forces over the last decade.
The fixture was truly a sight to behold with fans out in force and the atmosphere dialled up to a level we have never quite seen.
A change in eligibility rules enabled a contingent of Australian and New Zealand-born stars to pledge their allegiance to Tonga and Samoa as they decided to represent their family lineage, the State of Origin eligibility being expanded only helping to grow their cause.
Tonga came up with a massive win over Samoa and could play them again in the final if they beat New Zealand
It has meant that, for the big three of Australia, New Zealand, and England, two disrupters have arrived. And disrupt they have.
England were dealt a tough hand in the World Cup, there is no denying that. But in years gone by, beating Tonga would have been a formality. Now it is a huge challenge.
That is thanks to head coach Kristian Woolf and his service to the side plus the players over the years who have battled hard for Tonga. They are reaping the rewards.
Similarly with Samoa, in the last World Cup they managed to overcome an opening-round hammering by England to break their hearts and beat them in the semis.
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Jon Wilkin believes the structure of the Rugby League World Cup was ‘fundamentally flawed’.
England will review how the World Cup unfolded with head coach Brian McDermott looking to stay on after being given just three weeks and tricky circumstances to guide his side.
But if England want to be in the mix internationally once more, they need to be backed domestically.
Without evolution, England’s stagnancy on their investment into the international team has been laid bare and change will be long, tricky, and intricate.
They, effectively, need to try and become the disrupters to the teams that have disrupted them. That requires international competitions, camps, Tests, and progress to be the priority and not the afterthought.
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Brian Carney discusses the core issues surrounding Rugby League in the UK and why the gap with Australia is getting larger.
Some of the greatest players in England’s modern history will convene to help map out a future for the national game, including further analysis of the pyramid, from grassroots and pathways to the player pool for the international stage- they have a lot of work on their hands.
Since the first year of the Rugby League World Cup in 1954, there has been a clear trend. Yes, France took on Great Britain in that final, but then it all changed.
For the 15 finals that have followed, Australia have been involved in every single one and won 12 of them with New Zealand winning one and Great Britain or England winning in 1954, 1960, and 1972.
Samoa changed the narrative in 2021 when they stunned England in the semi-finals to make their first final. Now Tonga can add to that history too. They play New Zealand in the last four while Samoa will face Australia in a repeat of the 2022 final.
The fans were out in full force for the action
If they both win, a historic moment will unfold. If even just Samoa win, we will have our first Rugby League World Cup final without Australia since 1954.
If we see the Sipi Tau against the Siva Tau in the biggest final in the sport, expect emotions, fireworks, a moment to remember.
Lots of the players who chose to represent Tonga and Samoa made a huge call. They decided to go against the status quo.
Now, there is a world in which Australia and New Zealand are sat at home watching as these two teams do battle in a final.
Even if it is one of them – if one of Tonga or Samoa win the Rugby League World Cup, expect to see scenes of celebration like you have never seen before.
Tonga has a population of around 100,000. Samoa has a population of approximately 200,000.
But the shockwaves a victory for either would produce would be uncalculable.
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