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MONTPELLIER - Samoa can revive their hopes of a third quarter-final appearance at the Rugby World Cup with an expected victory over Pacific rivals Tonga in their Pool A match here on Sunday.
The Samoans did not get crucial early refereeing decisions go their way in their 59-7 opening loss to South Africa but will look to get their tournament back on track against Tonga at Stade de la Mosson.
The 10th-ranked Samoa have dominated Tonga in their encounters in the last 25 years and head into Sunday's Test on a best-ever streak of nine consecutive wins, including a 50-3 hammering at home last June.
The Tongan Sea Eagles, 14th on the IRB rankings, have been lifted by their first-up 25-15 victory over United States here last Wednesday and are looking for an upset, but Samoa's coach Michael Jones is confident of making it 10 straight against their island rivals.
They last lost to Tonga 16-13 in Nuku'alofa in June 2000.
"We know the Tongans will be out to turn the tables on us. We haven't lost to them for six or seven years," the former All Black legend said.
"We'll be facing some pretty determined, angry Tongans. We know how to beat them, but if they can beat us that's a feather in their caps."
The Samoans, quarter-finalists in 1991 and '95, have won eight of 17 matches at the World Cup, winning at least twice in each of their four previous tournament appearances, including doubles over Wales and Argentina, while Tonga have won a modest three times.
Victory over Tonga, with a possible scoring bonus point, will boost Samoa's chances of making the last eight with final group games to come against world champions England (Sept 22) and United States (Sept 26).
"We believe in our potential. However, we are thinking first of Tonga, who are never easy," Jones said.
Jones confirmed that 35-year-old talismanic winger Brian Lima, playing in his fifth World Cup, won't be playing against Tonga after suffering concussion against South Africa.
The Tongans put to bed their sequence of opening round losses at the tournament at the Americans' expense and have all the motivation they need to rattle the bones of their Samoan adversaries this weekend.
"One of our goals was to win our first game and that I hope is going to open a lot of doors," said skipper Nili Latu.
The Tongans will be hoping they get off to another flyer after scoring a try in the first 70 seconds against the American Eagles in mid-week.
Teams:
SAMOA: Gavin Williams, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Elvis Seveali'I, Seilala Mapusua, Alesana Tuilagi, Loki Crichton, Steve So'oialo, Semo Sititi (capt), Ulia Ulia, Daniel Leo, Kane Thompson, Joe Tekori, Census Johnston, Mahonri Schwalger, Justin Va'a. Reserves: Tanielu Fuga, Muliufi Salanoa, Leo Lafaiali'I, Justin Purdie, Junior Polu, Lolo Lui, DavidLemi.
TONGA: Vungakoto Lilo, Tevita Tu'ifua, Sukanaivalu Hufanga, Epeli Taione, Joseph Vaka, Pierre Hola, Enele Taufa, Finau Maka, Nili Latu (capt), Hale T Pole, Paino Hehea, Inoke Afeaki, Kisi Pulu, Ephraim Taukafa, Soane Tonga'uiha. Reserves: Aleki Lutui, Toma Toke, Viliami Vaki, Emosi Kauhenga, Sione Tu'ipulotu, Isileli Tupou, Hudson Tonga'uiha.
- AFP
