Why rugby league needs Tonga-Samoa World Cup final

Tonga and Samoa have emerged as challengers in a World Cup group stage otherwise marked by one-sided matches and a format that has fuelled doubts about international rugby league. Their close 20-18 match in Sydney showed the excitement and strong support the Pacific sides can bring, and a run to the final by either would challenge the expected Australia-New Zealand dominance.

Tonga, who won all three group games, face New Zealand in the semi-finals, while Samoa meet Australia in a rematch of the 2022 final. Australia have won 10 of the past 11 World Cups, and the tournament has been reduced from 16 teams to 10 this year. Tonga and Samoa have each won 11 of their 23 meetings, with one draw; Samoa reached the final in 2022, while Tonga have previously made the semi-finals.