Tonga and Samoa light up Rugby League World Cup with simultaneous war dances

The Rugby League World Cup has provided plenty of cultural celebrations but the match between Tonga and Samoa at Hamilton took that to new heights on Saturday.

Both sides were desperate to win but they put their differences aside to come together in a moment that brought the crowd to its feet.

They knelt arm-in-arm and formed a circle first-off to share a special prayer before stepping things up a notch by performing their war dances simultaneously.

Samoan players took one side of the field for the Siva Tau, while Tonga faced off against them from the other side with the Sipi Tau.

Tonga and Samoa players pray before their World Cup match in Hamilton. (Getty)

The Samoan squad formed a circle around Junior Paulo as he led their war dance, while the Tongan players did the same thing from across the field around Siliva Havili.

Both sides advanced towards each other as the cultural challenges reached their crescendos' while fans watched on in delirious enjoyment from the stands.

Samoan halfback Pita Godinet has said previously that the Siva Tau is special for all players.

"It just means warrior," Godinet said.

Tongan and Samoan players hug after their World Cup match in Hamilton. (Getty)

"It means I’m a warrior. My brothers are with me."

Tongan centre Michael Jennings echoed those sentiments for the Sipi Tau on playersvoice.com.au

"You feel this incredible energy and passion flow through your body," Jennings said.

"There’s a line in there, ‘Mate ma’a Tonga!’ It means, ‘Die for Tonga!’ That’s how you feel."

While there was plenty of expectation around the match, the all-star Tongan team proved too strong for Samoa after running out 32-18 winners.

Tonga will now face New Zealand in a mouth-watering showdown that will determine the winner of their pool.