Samoa scored three tries in the second half to bounce back from defeat to Pacific Nations Cup leaders Fiji with a win over Tonga on Saturday.
Just over a month before the Rugby World Cup, the hosts scored four unanswered tries in Apia and shut out Tonga in the second half en route to a convincing 34-9 victory.
It lifts Samoa to second in the table behind Fiji, who play Japan later, while Tonga stay bottom after their third straight defeat.
Samoa’s outside-half D’Angelo Leuila had a good afternoon with the boot by landing his six kicks at goal.
It was a return to winning ways for Samoa, who beat Japan away a fortnight ago then lost 33-19 to Fiji last week.
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Samoa got the opening try midway through the first half in Apia when hooker Sama Malolo burrowed his way over from close range.
Tonga only trailed 13-9 at half time, but Samoa pulled away on the scoreboard with three second-half tries.
The home side scored soon after the break when their pack mauled over the line and flanker Miracle Fai’ilagi touched down.
After quick hands among the Samoan backs, Toulon centre Duncan Paiaaua then crossed unopposed for a converted try.
They kept up the pressure as replacement scrumhalf Melani Matavao went over for a try after a snipping run following a quick-tap penalty.
The hosts finished with 14 men after replacement back Neria Fomai was sent to the sin bin in the final minutes for a dangerous tackle.
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Photo: Richard A. Brooks/AFP