The Pacific Islanders recovered from 16-2 down at half-time to net a stunning 28-22 win in front of a 25,000 capacity crowd at Waikato Stadium.

Winger David Fusitua scored a hat-trick while Tuimoala Lolohea and Will Hopoate also crossed for the Pacific Islanders in a frantic spell after half-time.

It means Tonga finish top of Group B and are due to face Lebanon in the quarter-finals in the bottom half of the draw.

New Zealand will now have to face Fiji in the top half of the draw and the daunting prospect of a possible semi-final against reigning champions Australia.

Scotland crashed out of the tournament today in Group B after surrendering a 14-6 half-time lead to eventually draw against Samoa at Barlow Park in Cairns.

Lewis Tierney and Frankie Mariano managed first-half tries for the Scots but Matthew Wright and Young Tonumaipea hit back to leave the scores locked at 14-14.

Samoa progress due to a superior points difference in a format where only the bottom team in the group miss out on the quarter-finals.

Australia eased to a 34-0 win over Lebanon in the final match of the day at Sydney Football Stadium.

They are now scheduled to face Samoa in the quarter-finals.

England are due to face France tomorrow in the last match of Group A at the Perth Rectangular Stadiunm while Ireland will take on Wales in Group C at the same venue.

Papua New Guinea will also play United States in an inter-group encounter at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.