Samoa will tackle England in the World Cup semi-finals after upsetting 20-18 Tonga in a classic encounter at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
In a pulsating match at Warrington, Samoa edged their neighbours in a thrilling fixture that had everything.
Toa Samoa are now through to the semi-finals for the first time in history.
They started positively when Jaydn Su’a touched down, running a great line off Anthony Milford.
Stephen Crichton converted to give them a 6-0 lead.
But three minutes later Tonga hit back when Daniel Tupou crossed from William Hopoate’s pass.
Isaiya Jatoa couldn’t convert from the sideline, so it remained 6-4.
In the 16th minute Jarome Luai beat a tackle and stepped his way over.
Crichton added the extras to make it 12-4.
Just before half time Sio Sua Tuakeiaho won the race to Soni Luke’s perfectly placed grubber kick.
The conversion tied the score to 12-10 at the break.
In the second half a penalty goal from Katoa saw Tonga tie it up.
But in the 56th minute a Crichton penalty goal edged them ahead by two points again.
Two minutes later Samoa went further ahead, when a Luai kick was not handled by the Tonga defence and Brian To’o pounced.
Crichton’s key conversion made it 20-12.
The game looked over but then Moses Suili sensationally broke through the middle and found Sione Katoa in support to score.
Katoa’s kick cut it back to 20-18.
The Mate Ma’a tried to find a late winner, in a tense final few minutes, but Samoa held on to get the win and make history.
Tonga 18
Tries: D. Tupou (8), S. Taukeiaho (33), S. Katoa (71)
Goals: I. Katoa (34), I. Katoa (50), I. Katoa (72)
Samoa 20
Tries: J. Su’a (5), J. Luai (17), B. To’o (59)
Goals: S. Crichton (6), S. Crichton (19), S. Crichton (57), S. Crichton (60)
