Tonga outclass Lebanon to set up Samoa showdown

Tonga will take an undefeated record into next week's showdown with Samoa after claiming a 36-point victory over Lebanon on Friday night. 

The 36-0 win provided the perfect tuneup for next Sunday's sold-out blockbuster as Tonga eye revenge following last year's 28-point defeat in Brisbane. 

While Kristian Woolf's focus will now shift to Samoa, the coach was determined to ensure his side was not upset by the Cedars at CommBank Stadium. 

Tonga were forced to work hard for the victory against a willing Lebanon side but their class ultimately proved too great. 

Backrower Haumole Olakau'atu showed his growing stature within the squad by leading the Sipi Tau before producing a physical showing in both attack and defence.

With Isaiya Katoa sidelined with an ankle injury, Tui Lolohea stepped up at halfback as Tonga ran in seven tries to zero in front of 25,065 fans at CommBank Stadium.

Katoa is expected to return for next Sunday's clash with Samoa as Tonga look to book their place in the final four.

Tonga built last week's victory over England on a defensive foundation and it was a similar story on Friday night.

The first half was a brutal battle, with Lebanon throwing plenty at their opponents but they could not crack the red wall. 

In perhaps the most pleasing sign for Woolf, Tonga's scramble defence was exceptional throughout a gruelling opening 40 minutes. 

Woolf's men then made the most of limited opportunities, with Sione Katoa latching on to a sublime Lehi Hopoate pass to open the scoring in the 13th minute.

Paul Alamoti then made it 10-0 in the 21st minute before Tolu Koula produced a match-turning play on the stroke of half-time. 

Lebanon spent the first 40 minutes sending bombs towards towering winger Jason Saab. While Jojo Fifita largely held his own, Saab was first to an Alex Conti kick in the 37th minute. 

The winger tapped the ball back infield, only for Koula to pluck it out of the air and race 90 metres to extend his side's lead to 14 at the break.

The centre was in the thick of the action again shortly after half-time, laying on the final pass for Jojo Fifita's 44th minute try as Tonga took control of the contest. 

The next 20 minutes were then punctuated by a series of big hits, with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki levelling Conti, who impressed amid heavy pressure from the Tongan pack. 

While the Cedars bravely defended their line for extended periods, Lolohea eventually sent Leka Halasima over for a try that sealed the result with 11 minutes to play. 

Fifita crossed for his second moments later before Katoa put an exclamation mark on the win with a try in the final minute of the match.