Cricket star Stuart Broad and politician Alastair Campbell react to Rugby League World Cup ‘game of the tournament’

It was the Siva Tau versus the Sipi Tau ahead of Tonga vs Samoa yesterday.

The two Pacific nations put on a show prior to the classic World Cup quarter-final with their respective war dances.

In an incredible twist, both teams performed their ‘hakas’ at the same time to the delight of the crowd at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium.

It was a fanastic show of commitment to their culture’s heritage while also showcasing great respect for their rivals at the end, as the two teams embraced each other before a ferocious encounter.

Those lucky enough to be there in Warrington on Sunday had their breath taken away by this moment in history, but those watching on TV also took to social media to react in their thousands.

Among them were legends of other sports, including cricket icon Stuart Borad who said on Twitter that the moment was “absolutely incredible”.

Absolutely incredible 🏉 https://t.co/7lAMEc4rjV

— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) November 6, 2022

His comments were backed up by Welsh Rugby Union legend Scott Quinnell, once of the Wigan Warriors, who said: “This is just so powerful. #rugbyfamily. Fantastic respect from both teams.”

This is just so powerful. #rugbyfamily. Fantastic respect from both teams. https://t.co/Zdm7SSP0Kk

— Scott Quinnell (@ScottQuinnell) November 6, 2022

Quinnell also had plenty to say suring the match two as he credited the two teams for serving up a fantastic and brutal game of rugby’: “What a fantastic game of rugby. Samoa v Tonga @RLWC2021 . Absolutely brutal ball in play massive great to watch.”

What a fantastic game of rugby. Samoa v Tonga @RLWC2021 . Absolutely brutal ball in pay massive great to watch. @BBCSport @JiffyRugby #rugbyfamily

— Scott Quinnell (@ScottQuinnell) November 6, 2022

Politician Alastair Campbell noted during the game: “If you’ve not been watching Samoa v Tonga @RLWC2021 BBC2 strongly recommend your turn on to watch the last ten minutes. Match of the tournament so far”

If you’ve not been watching Samoa v Tonga @RLWC2021 BBC2 strongly recommend your turn on to watch the last ten minutes. Match of the tournament so far

— ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) November 6, 2022

Rugby league great turned BBC pundit Robbie Hunter-Paul also had his say stating the moment and the match was indescribable: “If you haven’t seen this then you must. This wasn’t scripted, no one had planned taking turns. It’s just two powerful pacific cultures in their prime. What followed was an indescribable 80 minutes. Big runs, even bigger hits & incredible skill. Take a bow @RLSamoa & #TongaRL”

If you haven't seen this then you must. This wasn't scripted, no one had planned taking turns. It's just two powerful pacific cultures in their prime.

What followed was an indescribable 80 minutes. Big runs, even bigger hits & incredible skill. Take a bow @RLSamoa & #TongaRL https://t.co/zPLwuLlFpK

— Robbie Hunter-Paul (@RHunterPaul) November 7, 2022

Former Warrington Wolves and Fiji player Ashton Sims said: “World Cup Rugby League Forever”

World Cup Rugby League Forever👊🏼❤️ https://t.co/NIJmYXUwvW

— Ashton Sims (@ashtonsims26) November 6, 2022

Former New Zealand World Cup winner and South Sydney legend Isaac Luke added: “Tough, this is mean.”

Tough 💪🏾😤 this is mean. 🙌🏾 https://t.co/G3xhuGYHuz

— issac luke (@issacluke_14) November 7, 2022

Samoan Rugby Union great Daniel Leo, said: “The way our cultures should be done… lots of passion and ultimate respect”

The way our cultures should be done… lots of passion and ultimate respect 🇼🇸🇹🇴🔥 https://t.co/IaGS5Fc474

— Daniel Leo (@danleo82) November 7, 2022

Rugby Union pages even called for the 15-man to take note, with well-respected UK-based platform Rugby Pass stating: “The Rugby League World Cup saw this incredible moment between Samoa and Tonga, should more scope be given for this to happen in Union?”

The Rugby League World Cup saw this incredible moment between Samoa and Tonga, should more scope be given for this to happen in Union? 🤔 #RLWC2021 pic.twitter.com/J7T2Q9p6Iw

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 7, 2022