Samoa triumphs in massive victory over Tonga after longest ever delay in league due to lightning

Samoa has claimed bragging rights over its pacific rivals, Tonga, with a comprehensive 34-6 victory in round two of the Pacific Championships.

While Samoa's brilliance in attack will be a highlight, the biggest moment to come from the match was a lightning delay that lasted more than an hour and 30 minutes.

Nine's stats guru, David Middleton, said on the coverage it was the longest delay he knew of in premiership and international history.

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With 20 minutes to go and Samoa leading 16-0, lightning strikes were seen outside Suncorp Stadium, prompting the players to be called off the field.

The delay continued as players cooled down in the sheds, rain poured and hail began to hit.

At 5.45pm (6.45pm AEDT) the players started to warm up before play returned just after 7.

"It's a unique situation, the first time we've seen anything like this," Cameron Smith said on Nine.

When the match resumed, Samoa continued its dominance.

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Murray Taulagi scored first in the corner before Payne Haas crashed through the middle.

Tonga's middle defence on the line had been shown up time and again throughout the match and it occurred again when utility Chanel Harris-Tavita burrowed over in the 76th minute to make it 34-0.

The Tongan fans bravely stayed at Suncorp Stadium and were given some consolation when Tolutau Koula scored right before full-time.

By the time the final whistle was blow, it was 6.27pm, making for a match that lasted three hours and 27 minutes.

Samoa captain Junior Paulo was awarded player of the match, finishing with 93 run metres, one line break, line break assist and try assist. He also had three offloads and made 30 tackles.