Having lost 26-16 to Fiji in last weekend's World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup match, Samoa bounced back to beat Tonga 30-10 in the final match of the 2016 edition.

The win ensured Alama Ieremia's side finished second behind Fiji overall, and took a step closer to qualification for Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.

Fiji will take the advantage in the race to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2019 with the Pacific Nations Cup this year and next to determine the Oceania 1 and 2 qualifiers for the tournament, but Samoa will be buoyed by finishing second.

The match got off to a positive start for Ieremia's side with Tonga conceding a penalty try as early as the eighth minute after winger 'Otulea Katoa had been sent to the sin bin.

Samoa doubled their lead four minutes later through second-row Jeff Lepa before Tonga got their first points of the day in the 15th minute from a Sonatane Takulua penalty. Patrick Faapale took Samoa's lead to 20 points at half-time, however, with three penalties.

Tonga managed to get their first try of the match through replacement Opeti Fonua with 20 minutes remaining, but Samoa again showed their dominance and extended their advantage to 30-10 with Danny Tusitala's (pictured) try in the final minutes. 

Photo credit: Renee McKay/SRU