A penalty after the hooter gave Tonga an 18-18 draw against Samoa in their Pacific Nations Cup opener.
Samoa had led 18-15 courtesy of tries from wingers Fautua Otto and captain David Lemi. Tonga responded with two tries of their own, courtesy of Otulea Katoa and lock Josh Afu.
It was Afu who was pulled down in a lineout in the 81st minute, giving the Tongans a chance to snatch a dramatic draw.
Fangatapu Apikotoa duly obliged, slotting a 40m attempt as the Samoans had to settle for a share of the spoils.
Samoa – Tries: Fautua Otto, David Lemi. Conversion: Tusi Pisi. Penalties: Pisi (2).
Tonga – Tries: Otulea Katoa, Josh Afu. Conversion: Latiume Fosita. Penalties: Fosita, Fangatapu Apikotoa.
Samoa – 15 Fa'atoina Autagavaia, 14 Fautua Otto, 13 Alapati Leiua, 12 Johnny Leota, 11 David Lemi (c), 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Jeremy Sua, 8 Taiasina Tuifua, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Falfili Levave, 5 Filo Paulo, 4 Kane Thompson, 3 Logovi'i Mulipola, 2 Wayne Ole Avei, 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Subs: 16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Census Johnston, 19 Daniel Leo, 20 Ofisa Treviranus, 21 Kahn Fotuali'i , 22 George Pisi, 23 Anitele'a Tuilagi.
Tonga – 15 David Halaifonua, 14 Otulea Katoa, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Fraser Anderson, 11 Alaska Taufa, 10 Latiume Fosita, 9 Samisoni Fisilau, 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Nili Latu (c), 6 Pasuka Mapakaitolo, 5 Lisiate Fa'aoso, 4 Josh Afu, 3 Sila Puafisi, 2 Suliasi Taufalele, 1 Tevita Mailau,
Subs:16 Paula Ngauamo, 17 Kama Sakalia, 18 Eddie Aholelei, 19 Daniel Faleafa, 20 Viliami Fihaki, 21 Sonatane Takulua, 22 Fangatapu Apikotoa. 23 Fetu'u Vainikolo.
Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images
