Tonga have beaten Papua New Guinea in their first international test match on home soil to keep their Rugby World Cup hopes alive.

They claimed a 36-24 victory to progress to the Oceania regional qualification, where they will face Samoa in a play-off with the winner playing in a repechage for a spot at the World Cup.

The win has also lifted Tonga to their highest position in the world rankings as they find themselves in 27th place.

Tongan captain Va’aiga Moimoi said after the match: "This win is big for us as Tongan women, not only for Tonga but also for us Pacific women and it’s such a privilege to play here in PNG.

“It was a very physical game today and I know everyone enjoyed it. It’s just growing for us women and I would like to thank everyone who has supported us on this journey.

“We’re looking forward to play Samoa in April and we know it’s going to be a physical encounter, but our goal was to win this game and keep going forward.”