WARRINGTON Wolves’ Halliwell Jones Stadium will be the stage for a mouthwatering men’s Rugby League World Cup quarter-final next weekend.

Following tonight’s crunching win by Samoa against France in Warrington, as Group A runners-up they will face Group D winners Tonga in an 'islands war' at The HJ next Sunday, kick-off 2.30pm.

Warrington Guardian: One of four Samoa tries for Tiny May against France at Warrington Wolves' Halliwell Jones Stadium. Picture: SWpix.comOne of four Samoa tries for Tiny May against France at Warrington Wolves' Halliwell Jones Stadium. Picture: SWpix.com (Image: SWpix.com)

It is being talked about as the potential game of the tournament, with collisions to create earthquakes alongside breathtaking skills.

 

The Tonga and Samoa squads are stacked with NRL superstars who are desperate to represent their nations with passion and pride – and are going to give their all to progress to the semi-finals.

And both teams will have a colourful and noisy support base roaring them on, with the two cultural ‘war dances’ before kick-off setting the tone.

 

Warrington Guardian: Samoa start their cultural dance ahead of their clash with France at Warrington Wolves' Halliwell Jones Stadium. Picture: SWpix.comSamoa start their cultural dance ahead of their clash with France at Warrington Wolves' Halliwell Jones Stadium. Picture: SWpix.com (Image: SWpix.com)

Although Samoa, billed as tournament dark horses ahead of the tournament, were off the pace and embarrassed by England in the opening game at St James’ Park in Newcastle, they showed their true colours in tonight’s 62-4 demolition of France.

Powerful, explosive, well organised, ruthless and clinical all sum up the Samoans’ performance as they wowed The HJ’s biggest crowd of the tournament so far.

Warrington Guardian: Samoa’s Brian To'o scores a try for Samoa against France at Warrington Wolves' Halliwell Jones Stadium. Picture: SWpix.comSamoa’s Brian To'o scores a try for Samoa against France at Warrington Wolves' Halliwell Jones Stadium. Picture: SWpix.com (Image: SWpix.com)

The fans lapped it up as they were treated to some bone-crunching action and spectacular tries.

And Tonga have grown through their three group games, showing in their 92-10 victory over Cook Islands in Middlesbrough this afternoon that they, too, are hitting form at exactly the right time.

Warrington Guardian: Tonga's Tesi Niu goes over the line to score a Tonga try against Cook Islands during the Rugby League World Cup group D match at the Riverside Stadium, MiddlesbroughTonga's Tesi Niu goes over the line to score a Tonga try against Cook Islands during the Rugby League World Cup group D match at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough (Image: PA Wire)

The contest next Sunday will also mark the return to The Halliwell Jones Stadium for ex-Wire favourite Ben Murdoch-Masila, who has featured off the bench for Kristian Woolf’s side in the three group games.