RLWC 2026: Fans still reeling from titanic Pacific clash

Reactions to Sunday night's record-breaking Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) game have shone a light on the pride Pasifika have for their nations and culture.

As the dust settled on the field, those watching from Aotearoa were still reeling from such an amazing game and the ensuing parades.

Tonga beat Samoa 20-18 in the final pool game of the tournament, while setting an attendance record for Sydney's CommBank Stadium of 29,411.

Toa Samoa superfan Vaovasatoa Paki Scott, said despite the loss, his heart was full of happiness from seeing his community come together with such passion.

"It was honestly the greatest game that I've ever seen," Scott said.

"I'm a huge league fan. I've watched grand finals. I've watched State of Origins. I've seen it all, but this game ... it was just different. I can't explain it. I can't put it into words."

Horns were honking and flags were waving late into the night in South Auckland's Māngere.

A Toa Samoa fan told RNZ Pacific, he was proud the team held their own to the end.

"It was very entertaining, and cool to see everyone cheering for their country," said the fan.

The same energy and atmosphere was also one suburb over, in Ōtāhuhu.

"I'm proud of the boys, I'm proud of Isaiya - he's the best kicker - and I'm just proud of my country," said one fan.

While Samoan in Ōtāhuhu expressed their sorrow and respect for their opponents.

"Honestly Tonga just got lucky," said one fan.

"[The game] kept me on my toes, they were neck in neck, playing off mistakes but at the end of the day, it's the better team that won. Shout out to Mate Ma'a Tonga they won fair and square," said another fan.

For Scott, the Siva Tau, Sipi Tau and the anthems where the real highlights of the game, bringing him to near to tears.

He said seeing the support from both fan bases, gave supporters of the diaspora, like himself, a link home.

"This isn't the silver bullet, but this plays a massive part in having pride for where you come from. I think culture is the winner at the end of the day," Scott said.

Scott believes only one thing could top this.

"I think the only climax from this, is seeing Samoa and Tonga in the grand final for the World Cup. That'll be crazy," said Scott.

For that to happen, Tonga must beat New Zealand on Saturday, and Samoa beat Australia on Sunday in the semi-finals next weekend.

In Māngere, Tonga fan Jordan was confident of his team's chances in next weekend's semifinal against the Kiwis.

"I think we can do it. I'm so happy that they won. I'm just proud to be Tongan. Even though I have a Niuean flag, I got to represent my other country. I'm really proud of my country," Jordan said.

Some Toa Samoa fans gave their thoughts on their team's chances against the Kangaroos.

"I don't know. It might be a close game, but yeah, I just hope you got the best," said one fan.

Overall, two fans in Ōtāhuhu summed the entire night best.

"I can feel the mana ... it's good to see my people, it's good to see that representation out here... I just like seeing the flags," said one fan.

"At the end of the day, we're one sea! We're all from one sea at the end of the day."