Tonga beat Lebanon 36-0 at CommBank Stadium on Friday night to stay unbeaten at the Rugby League World Cup and set up a blockbuster clash with Samoa next week.
Tonga scored seven tries to none in front of 25,065 fans in Sydney, NRL.com reported, backing up their 30-12 upset of England in the opening round.
With star halfback Isaiya Katoa sidelined by an ankle injury, Tui Lolohea stepped into the No.7 role. Katoa is expected to return for the Samoa match, with Tonga chasing a place in the final four.
Koula’s 90-metre try
Lebanon made Tonga work hard in a physical first half, but Kristian Woolf’s side held firm in defence. Sione Katoa opened the scoring in the 13th minute from a Lehi Hopoate pass, before Paul Alamoti crossed in the 21st minute to make it 10-0.
Read more: Tonga Stun England 30-12 to Rock Rugby League World Cup
The turning point came just before half-time. Lebanon winger Jason Saab won a contest for a high kick from Alex Conti and tapped it back infield, but Tolutau Koula plucked the ball out of the air and raced 90 metres to score, giving Tonga a 14-0 lead at the break.
Tonga pull away
Koula then laid on the final pass for Jojo Fifita’s try in the 44th minute. Lebanon defended bravely for long periods, but Lolohea sent Leka Halasima over with 11 minutes left, Fifita grabbed his second soon after and Sione Katoa added his second in the final minute.
Backrower Haumole Olakau’atu led the Sipi Tau before the match and was strong in attack and defence, while Bulldogs playmaker Conti impressed for the Cedars under heavy pressure from the Tongan pack.
Read more: Fiji Thrash Cook Islands 40-12 as Saifiti Scores at World Cup
Samoa next
Tonga now meet Samoa in a sold-out clash that NRL.com described as a chance for revenge after Tonga’s 28-point loss to Samoa in Brisbane last year.
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