Extra police for Islanders clash

Samoa's Nigel Vagana and Tonga's Lapini Paea

Samoa captain Nigel Vagana (left) goes head-to-head with Lopini Paea

Australian World Cup officials have drafted in extra police for the highly anticipated Pacific Islands Group C match between Tonga and Samoa.

The two teams have a history of aggravation and organisers are concerned the antagonism could spread to supporters in Sydney on Friday.

Both teams have been warned to maintain their distance during their hakas.

"Tonga and Samoa have always hated each other with a passion," said Tonga coach Jim Dymock. "It will be do or die."

The two teams have featured in previous epic - and heated - encounters in the past, including a marathon effort in the 1992 World Cup.

And this year's contest is set to draw a huge crowd of ex-pat Samoans and Tongans in the Sydney suburb of Penrith.

"We're close neighbours in the Pacific, so obviously there's going to be rival wars between each other," said Tonga captain Lopini Paea.

606 DEBATE

Your thoughts on Tonga v Samoa

"When you grow up as a young kid, you just know that Samoans are the enemy. It's your pride, it's your passion on the line.

"They're just as big and physical and tough as we are. I think that's why we respect each other even more, which is why we probably hate each other even more."

Tonga will be without NRL duo Fuifui Moimoi and Taniela Tuiaki, who are both unavailable to play until 12 November following a New South Wales Supreme Court ruling over their eligibility having featured for New Zealand in 2007.