Samoa vs. Tonga: Pacific island rivals face off with simultaneous cultural challenges before World Cup meeting

TONGA and Samoa players provided the best moment of the Rugby League World Cup so far with a spine-tingling pre-game ritual that left fans in raptures.

Samoa and Tonga players produced a brilliant display before their World Cup clash.

TONGA and Samoa players produced the best moment of the Rugby League World Cup so far before their Group B clash at Waikato Stadium.

The lead-up to the game in Hamilton had been somewhat overshadowed by fan clashes but that was largely forgotten after a beautiful display of unity between the players of the Pacific island rivals.

Before kick-off in front of a raucous atmosphere in the stadium, both teams formed a huddle in the middle of the field for a joint prayer.

WATCH THE SPINE-TINGLING PRE-GAME SCENES IN THE VIDEO AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE.

That was followed by spine-tingling cultural challenges performed simultaneous by the teams.

The Samoan squad formed a circle around Junior Paulo, who led their ceremonial act, while a few metres away Siliva Havili and the Tongans responded in turn by advancing to their opponents.

Tonga and Samoa kneel in prayer during the Rugby League World Cup match.

Fans on social media were in agreement it was one of the best spectacles seen in rugby league in recent times.

Do we need a game after that???? How good! #SAMvTON

— Adam Hawse (@AdamHawse) November 4, 2017

It's not complicated. RL should do everything possible to continue growth of the sport in Pacific nations. Jewels of the international game

— Gareth Walker (@garethwalker) November 4, 2017

Yet again, Pacific Rugby League showing the world why it’s a class above. Outstanding passion balanced with harmony #SAMvTON #RLWC2017

— Topher Sutton (@tophersutton) November 4, 2017

That was the moment of the tournament and will live as long as Test footy is played #RLWC2017 #SAMvTON @footyfacts37

— Harry Ramage (@harryramage) November 4, 2017

Yep. That's my #RLWC2017 highlight. Nothing will beat that #TOKOUSO

— Zac Bailey (@ZacBaileyFOX) November 4, 2017

HOW GOOD WAS THAT!!!! love seeing Pacific pride 🇼🇸🇹🇴 that's how it should be done 👏#chehoo #RLWC2017 #SAMvTON

— Robbie Feldmann (@robbie_f84) November 4, 2017

Tonga captain Sika Manu explained the meaning of his nation’s chant last year,

“It means you’ll fight for your country and you’ll die for your country,” Manu said

For Manu, accepting the challenge of Samoa is just as spine-tingling as his own war dance.

“To me it’s sort of like them accepting the challenge and we are going to war, that’s how it feels to me anyhow,” he said.

“It’s an awesome feeling standing there watching them do it.”

Samoan halfback Pita Godinet explained what the country’s Siva Tau means.

“It just means warrior. It means I’m a warrior. My brothers are with me.”

Originally published as Samoa vs. Tonga: Pacific island rivals face off with simultaneous cultural challenges before World Cup meeting