Samoa Rugby

The 38-16 loss at Apia Park, Samoa's fourth successive test defeat, reduced them to 16th in the world rankings, their lowest position since the index was introduced in 2003.

Head coach Alama Ieremia said everyone was hurting and he accepted that all results, good or bad, ultimately came back to him.

"I'm the head coach so I take full responsibility for anything that happens in the campaign so I've got no issues with that," he said.

The tournament, which also involves Fiji, doubles as a qualifier for the World Cup with the combined 2016 and 2017 results deciding which two teams from the region win automatic berths in Japan in 2019.

It was the first test Tonga have hosted in eight years and drew a crowd of around 10,000 at the newly-refurbished Teufaiva Stadium in the Tongan capital.

Tongan halfback Sonatane Takulua scored all of his side's points in the second half with a converted try and a penalty as they built on their 20-16 lead at the break to hold off a late charge from the Samoans.

The 29-year-old centre, who is in England coach Wayne Bennett's 30-strong elite training squad, has missed the Giants' last three matches and is due to undergo further scans on Friday to ascertain the full extent of his injury.

Bennett will announce his squad for the May 6 Test on Monday and Huddersfield coach Rick Stone does not expect his captain to be included.

Current trainers Fataalii Milovale Moke and Fa’aofo Junior Leota have been appointed Interim Coach and Interim Assistant Coach/Team Manager respectively, to take the Sevens team to the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea in early July.
 
SRU interim Chief Executive Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai said the interim appointments allowed the Union to take the time it needed to find the right candidates for the permanent positions, over the next two weeks.