2023 Rugby World Cup – Qualifying – Tonga vs Samoa Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Tonga vs Samoa taking place? Saturday 17th July, 2021 – 05:00 (UK)
Where is Tonga vs Samoa taking place? FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Where can I get tickets for Tonga vs Samoa? Click here for the latest ticket information
What channel is Tonga vs Samoa on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Tonga vs Samoa? This match cannot be streamed live in the UK
THE PREDICTION
Tonga could barely string a side together to face New Zealand at the start of July and conceded an incredible 102 points to nothing in a more-than humbling defeat. Samoa, though, were not much better shape after back-to-back defeats to New Zealand Maori in their warm-up matches and they had not played an international test since losing to Ireland at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. However, a strong second-half display saw them edge closer to the Rugby World Cup in 2023 with a 42-13 victory in Auckland. The winner of this two test series will determine which side goes through to 2023 as ‘Oceania 1’, although the loser will still have a solid chance of qualifying through play-offs and that looks the only way through now for Tonga after a sorry defeat in the first test. With the moods in opposing camps likely very different, the Samoans should be able to take full advantage of Tonga’s poor form to win the second test too. Samoa now lead Tonga 8-1 in Rugby World Cup Qualifying matches.
