The genius of Toa Samoa second-rower Jeremiah Nanai launched his side into the Pacific Cup final in a controversial win over Tonga after lightning stopped play for 95 minutes.

Tonga prop Stefano Utoikamanu was wiped out of the match, and next week’s clash, with concussion in the second minute after a high shot by Samoa counterpart Frank Molo, who was fortunate to stay on the field. The explosive start mirrored the electricity in the air in the buildup.

Thunder and lightning in the vicinity of the stadium took the players off the field 20 minutes into the second half with Samoa leading 16-0, as a hail storm also swept across the ground. The crowd of 44,682 found cover and the NRL estimated 15,000 stayed on to watch the rest of the match.

Samoa halves Jarome Luai and Blaize Talagi sent winger Murray Taulagi in before Payne Haas and Chanel Harris-Tavita crashed over to seal a thumping win.

Samoa, who ended a six-Test losing streak to deliver coach Ben Gardiner his first win at the helm, will now play in the Pacific Cup final on 9 November in Sydney. Tonga must beat New Zealand next Sunday at Eden Park by 17 points to get another shot at Samoa in the decider.