Samoan centre Terry Fanolua scored a try on the buzzer to leave his team home and dry 23-14 against Tonga in Nuku'alofa on Friday, knocking the Tongans out of the Pacific Rim tournament.

The victory means Samoa finish top of the Pacific tri-nations table on 14 points, while Fiji finish second with 10.

Samoa and Fiji will now travel to Tokyo next week to contest the Pacific Rim semifinals with Canada and Japan. The Tongans, needing a victory to go above Fiji, started well and took the lead in the 11th minute when lock forward Viliami Ma'asi scored a try.

Samoan skipper Semo Sititi scored the visitors' only first-half try but fullback Silao Lea'ega converted the try and kicked three penalty goals to give Samoa a 16-7 lead at the half.

Tonga came out strongly again for the second half with winger Solomone Matangi touching down for a try, which was converted by Kusitafu Tonga to bring the score to 16-14 in Samoa's favour.

As the seconds ticked away, Tonga needed only a penalty goal to win the match and put Fiji out. But Fanolua spoiled the party with his late try.

Samoa assistant coach Michael Jones called the game a typical Pacific Island clash. "Both teams were very committed and the game was physical in nature," Jones said.

"Naturally, we are pleased with the win and proud of the boys' character to pull through. It's never easy to win here in Tonga.

"I think we owed this to our people back home after the loss to Fiji last week."

Scorers:

Tonga - Tries: Viliami Ma'asi, Solomone Matangi; Conversions: Kusitafu Tonga (2).

Samoa - Tries: Semo Sititi, Terry Fanolua; Conversions: Silao Lea'ega (2); Penalties: Lea'ega (3). - Sapa-AFP