Samoa retains squad for crucial World Cup match against Tonga

Toa Samoa coach Ben Gardiner has announced an unchanged lineup for the upcoming World Cup match against Tonga. The selection maintains the squad that recently defeated Papua New Guinea 64-6, aiming to secure a direct path to the semi-finals.

Co-captains Jarome Luai and Junior Paulo will lead the team. Samoa currently holds a 68-point advantage over England in points differential, meaning a victory against Tonga would guarantee qualification. If Samoa loses, their advancement will depend on the final points differential, specifically requiring England to achieve a substantial victory over Papua New Guinea.

Individual milestones are also in focus, as winger Sua Fa’alogo is one try away from breaking the record for the most tries scored by a Samoan player in a single World Cup tournament.