The four-time winners powered to a 7-1 success over tournament new boys Tonga in Aorai Tini Hau in Papeete and are now guaranteed a top-two finish.

Max Fa'ari bagged a brace for the Solomon Islands who won this event when it was last held in 2013.

The other goals came courtesy of skipper Roy Mafane, Thompson Peter, James Naka and two own goals.

Tonga, who registered through Pitasoni Ulavalu, at least improved on their record defeat to Tahiti yesterday when they were mauled 23-1 by the host nation in their debut outing at the tournament.

In today's other match Vanuatu defeated New Caledonia 14-7 for a first win in three attempts.

Loic Boulet scored a quartet for the victors in an entertaining contest as Joseph's Atale's hat-trick for New Caledonia proved in vain.

New Caledonia have now lost both of the games they have played.

Tomorrow sees Solomon Islands take on Tahiti, who have won both matches they have played so far.

The home side have twice been runners-up at the World Cup and did not contest this event when the Solomon Islands won it in 2013.

Tonga will meet New Caledonia tomorrow with the top two after the five-team round robin reaching the final.

The winners will qualify for this year's World Cup in Paraguay in November and December.