Tonga won by the same scoreline three days ago, in similarly exhilarating fashion. They were semi-finalists in 2017 after stunning New Zealand 28-22 in the group stage.
The first semi-final pits New Zealand against Tonga, a fixture with a raw recent history. Last year their meeting was overshadowed by a head injury to Tonga back-rower Eli Katoa, who needed emergency brain surgery after three concussions and has not played since.
A few years ago Tonga would not even sell out a game at Campbelltown. Now they sit on one of the biggest stages, selling out, and officials say it is only going to get bigger.
Eligibility rules have let diaspora players represent family heritage, especially those with Pacific island ancestors who moved away. When they do, they play with gusto.
Not only are the islands bringing passion; they are bringing world-class quality. A world title for Tonga or Samoa would help.
Both nations have also benefited from generous financial deals of a kind English rugby league supporters want for their team.
The tournament was cut from 16 to 10 teams this year. Dominance at the supposed peak of the sport has pointed to a growing gap between haves and have-nots.
Samoa went further four years ago, surprise runners-up after never previously going beyond the quarter-finals since first appearing in 1995.
“The occasion was unbelievable,” Gardiner said after Samoa’s latest win. Tonga prop Addin Fonua-Blake told BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra: “I can’t put it into words.”.