A strong Manu Samoa U20s team flogged Tonga 36-0 to win the 2020 Oceania Rugby U20s Trophy at Apia Park Stadium on Saturday 22 February.

Samoa now qualifies for the World Rugby U20s Trophy to be held in September.

The host side scored three tries in the first half, while Tonga missed a penalty goal and captain ‘Ofa Manukeu was yellow carded.

Another two tries to Samoa in the second half sealed the win despite having four players yellow carded with Tonga unable to take advantage.

Samoa captain East Timor Fa’amatuainu said the game was tough despite the points tallied at the end as they had to work hard to get the win.

“We had put a lot of effort into it as we knew Tonga was quite a strong team, so we worked on our set pieces and managed to work it well and we came out with a good result.”

“I’m really happy right now and more than proud for the boys as we have qualified,” he said. 

The World Rugby Under 20s Trophy will be held on 14-27 of September in Spain.

Tonga beat Samoa at the 2018 Oceania Rugby U20s and went on to win a bronze medal at the 2019 World Rugby Under 20s Trophy.

The World Rugby U20s Trophy is a second level competition with the winner going on to compete in the World Rugby U20s Championship.