Samoa and Tonga fire up for huge World Cup wins

The main takeaways

• The victory was Tonga's biggest ever, surpassing their previous largest winning margin of 64 points. 
• In his first game back from a suspension picked up in the NRL finals, Jason Taumalolo scored a double and helped Tonga dominate the middle. 
• Young Parramatta centre Will Penisini scored four tries and set one up in the win. 

Star performers

Jason Taumalolo added another dimension to the already impressive Tongan pack in his first game of the tournament, and along with Addin Fonua-Blake he helped Tonga roll through the middle of the Cook Islands' pack. The North Queensland enforcer finished with 171 run metres and seven tackle breaks, including a monster run for one of his two tries. Broncos fullback Tesi Niu scored three tries, while Will Penisini crossed for four. 

What the result means

Tonga have topped their group and move on to play Samoa in a mouthwatering quarterfinal clash. Cook Islands head home having picked up a win over Wales, but sadly with their worst performance coming in their final game. 

Recap

• Match report: Tonga hit record score against Cook Islands
• Key injuries: Nil. 

The main takeaways

• The win means Samoa finish second in Group A and are through to the quarterfinals. 
• Taylan May scored four tries in the space of 45 minutes to equal the record for most tries in a match by Samoa. 
• Penrith players accounted for 42 of Samoa's 62 points.

Star performers

Brian To'o was outstanding on the wing, despite much of the attacking movements going to the other side of the field where Taylan May starred with four tries. To'o carried the ball for a game-high 265 metres in addition to scoring two tries. In a possible good sign for Dolphins fans, Anthony Milford turned back the clock with a free-running display in halves. In a beaten side Ben Garcia was once again strong for France, making 37 tackles and topping his side for metres gained (140 metres). 

What the result means

After the first-up disaster loss to England, Samoa are through and will play Tonga in the quarters. France are eliminated but can hold their heads high, with the foundations in place for an improved showing at the tournament they'll host in 2025.  

Recap

• Match report: May scores four as Samoa beat France to advance
• Key injuries: Nil. 

The main takeaways

• Wests Tigers playmaker Adam Doueihi was Lebanon's standout player in his return from a one-match suspension, setting up five tries. 
• Lebanon's wingers enjoyed a big day at the office, with Josh Mansour and Abbas Miski scoring five tries and running for almost 300 metres between them.

Star performers

At fullback in place of Jacob Kiraz, who missed the game under head injury protocols, Adam Doueihi was outstanding, setting up five of his side's 13 tries and amassing over 200 metres in running. In the pack, Rabbitohs prop Jaxson Rahme was strong - in between 10 minutes spent in the bin for a late shot - making 150 metres, while veteran wing Josh Mansour scored a hat-trick.  

What the result means

Lebanon are into the quarters, but now face the toughest ask in international rugby league in taking on the world champion Kangaroos. Jamaica head home, but have captured the hearts of the rugby league community and can reflect on a wonderful achievement in qualifying for the World Cup and putting the game on the map in their part of the world.  

Recap

Match report: Cedars book date with Kangaroos after thumping Jamaica
Key injuries: Nil.