The ‘Ikale Tahi emerged victorious, defeating Samoa 30-16 at Saturday's opening 2025 Pacific Nations Cup match and 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifier clash. Fans decked in red, celebrated the win at Teufaiva Stadium.

The ‘Ikale Tahi dominated the game and scored three tries to Manu Samoa’s two.

The game was the first in the PNC series for the year, and also kicked off the world cup qualification for Oceania.

Captain Ben Tameifuna, post match said the win was critical for their campaign.

Tonga started the scoring in the game, taking just seven minutes to get on the scoreboard. Flanker Siosiua Moala dived over the line. Flyhalf Patrick Pellegrini converted for Tonga to lead 7-0.

Halfback Sonatane Takulua, who had to come back from retirement, scored the team's second try in the 24th minute when he chased a loose ball from a Samoan lineout. Pellegrini's conversion saw Tonga lead 17-0, having slotted a penalty earlier.

Pellegrini added another penalty before Manu Samoa flyhalf AJ Alatimu got his second through the posts, as Tonga led 20-6 at the break.

In the second half, Samoa worked hard. Winger Tuna Tuitama finished off in the corner, after some good exchanges in the 60th minute. That brought Samoa back within range, with nine points to chase.

But Pellegrini kicked another penalty before replacement hooker Samiuela Moli finished off a strong Tongan forward maul in the 80th minute.

The conversion from the Moana Pasfika flyhalf saw Tonga's lead go to 30-11.

Manu Samoan winger Melani Nanai finished off with a spectacular dive in the corner following a counter from Samoa, and with time had run out for the visitors to Nuku'alofa.

Head coach Tevita Tuifua, who with assistant Nili Latu, have been working on re-shaping the ‘Ikale Tahi since last year, said it was good to win the first match and get that out of the way.

Their next match is against Fiji in Suva next weekend.

Three teams from Canada, Samoa, Tonga and USA will qualify from the series for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Fiji and Japan already qualified.