Samoa pride overshadows Kiwi trouble
November 1st 2008 06:07
While the Samoans now find themselves one game away from a potential world cup semi-final playoff, New Zealand will be facing elimination in the face when they play Papua New Guinea tonight at Skilled stadium.
Samoa officially have bragging rights over Tonga after a very spirited 20-12 victory over the 'Mata Ma'.
Led admirably by Nigel Vagana, Samoa finished on top at CUA stadium in a game that had literally everything. One could even say this is the State or Origin for the island nations, before they get picked to play for either New Zealand or Australia.
It certainly felt like an Origin game. The hits were usually high and the flair displayed between the two teams begs a suggestion that these type of contests be played more often in a calendar year.
At present, this is was the most important match between Tonga and Samoa. Rivalries aside, the game represented a unique opportunity for the victor to have one foot in the door for a possible spot in the semi-finals.
While Tonga had potentially the better roster to work with, it was former Kiwi international David Solomona that started the move that would eventually sum up what this island battle means to those involved.
Solomona produced a beautiful offload that sparked a Samoan attack that would be finished off by former Knights player George Carmont.
It was a back breaker for Tonga, not only on the field but outside of it as well.
Although the security guards at the ground handled the situation better than most, nothing could handle the disappointment of losing a world cup game against a bitter rival.
While two Polynesian nations now have their fates decided, Two more island countries will go head to head in a critical game in this world cup.
The Kiwis and the Kumals need to win tonight in order to stay alive in the tournament. The destination for this battle will be Skilled stadium on the Gold Coast, which is accustomed to providing fans with brilliant attacking football.
Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney is under pressure now, considering his side's loss against Australia in the opening game last week.
If he fails to beat the New Guineans, maybe his assistant in Wayne Bennett will take control fulltime.
On the other side of the coin, lies a Kumals side who have nothing to lose and everything to gain. For them, this world cup represents an opportunity to strengthen their cause for inclusion in the NRL.
Indeed Adrian Lam's men have the capable players of causing a stir in the toughest competition the world has to offer. Indeed they may cause an upset against a Kiwi unit under severe pressure to perform.
One things for certain. The thought of elimination for these two teams will provide respective audiences with great entertainment tonight.
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