Two of New Zealand's government ministers have appealed for calm, following a brawl in Auckland between rival groups of Samoan and Tongan rugby league fans.
There have also been angry social media exchanges between fans and pictures of various flags being burnt.
Jenny Salesa, Minister for Ethnic Communities and Aupito William Sio, Minister for Pacific Peoples Photo: supplied
Jenny Salesa said rugby league was a game they all enjoy and people could celebrate in a way which is respectful and where everyone is safe and people are acting within the laws.
Mrs Salesa urged the Pacific community to come together in peace and unity, and to celebrate the pedigree of sporting talent the two Pacific nations possess.
Aupito William Sio said the community should be celebrating their league prowess and not throwing punches.
Tonga play Samoa in a world cup group match in Hamilton on Saturday night.
Aupito, who is also the Minister for Pacific Peoples, will be attending the game and said he expected everyone to be supporting their teams in the spirit that 'we are one people of the Pacific'.
The Tongan team have posted a message to fans on social media, asking people to remember where they came from.
"We're all from the islands, please keep the peace," said team captain, Sika Manu.
Tongan and Samoan players enjoy each other's company after a hard fought game Photo: Facebook
