Samoa took a big step towards qualifying for the 2023 World Cup when they produced a five-try second half burst to beat Tonga 42-13 in the first leg of the Oceania 1 play-off in Auckland on Saturday. Viliami Taulani scored Tonga's sole try with captain Sonatane Takulua successful with the conversion and two penalties. Samoa have been in every World Cup since missing the inaugural tournament in 1987 while Tonga have only failed to compete at a Rugby World Cup once, in 1991. Result of the first leg of the Rugby World Cup qualifying series between Samoa and Tonga in Auckland on Saturday:Samoa 42 Tonga 13H-t: 6-3ScorersSamoa: Tries - Ray Niuia, Alamanda Motuga, Henry Taefu, Ed Fidow, Stacey Ili. Conversion: Sonatane Takulua.

Source: News 24 July 10, 2021 08:53 UTC