The genius of Samoa second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has launched his side into rugby league's Pacific Cup final in a controversial 34-6 win over Tonga after lightning stopped play for 95 minutes.

On an electrifying day for Test football in more ways than one, the crowd of 44,682 at Lang Park was the biggest in Australia for a Test not involving the Kangaroos since 50,077 watched a World Cup clash between France and Great Britain at the SCG in 1957.

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 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 Taul

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