Tonga took another step towards seizing the Rugby League World Cup in Hamilton this afternoon by defeating New Zealand 28-22.
It was the first time Mate Mea Tonga had beaten New Zealand, a loss the Waikato Times called “embarrassing.”
In a closely contested game marked by a flurry of penalties, New Zealand was leading 16-2 at half time.
Tonga did not score until the second half, but then unleashed a blizzard of tries that secured victory.
Dallin Zalezniak scored the first try of the match for New Zealand in the 19th minute.
Jordan Rapana followed with a try in the 27th minute.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck followed over the line 11 minutes later.
However, Tonga came back with a vengeance, with David Fusitua scoring two tries in the 47th and 58th minute.
Four minutes later, Tuimoala Lolohea scored for Tonga again, followed two minutes later by Will Hopoate.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck scored for New Zealand in the 71st minute, but David Fusitua scored his third try – and the last of the game – in the 76th minute to cement Tonga’s victory.
Tonga had already qualified for the quarter finals before today’s game, with wins over Scotland and Samoa.
Mate Ma’a Tonga beat Samoa 32-18 in Hamilton last Saturday.
Kaniva News editor Kalino Latu, who is in Tonga to cover the national elections, reports scenes of jubilation in Vava’u, with huge celebrations in Neiafu.
“People are going crazy after the match,” he reported.
“Neighbours are yelling at each other to show their jubilation.”
He said cars were blowing their horns in Kameli.
Kameli resident Naulima Bloomfield, 92, who listened to the match on the radio, said she was happy with Tonga’s victory.
Other matches scheduled for today include Samoa vs Scotland in Cairns at 4.10pm Queensland time, and Australia vs the United States in Sydney at 8pm local time.
The main points
• Tonga took another step towards seizing the Rugby League World Cup in Hamilton this afternoon by defeating New Zealand 28-22.
• It was the first time Mate Mea Tonga had beaten New Zealand, a loss the Waikato Times called “embarrassing.”
• In a closely contested game marked by a flurry of penalties, New Zealand was leading 16-2 at half time.
• Tonga did not score until the second half, but then unleashed a blizzard of tries that secured victory.
For more information
Kiwis fall to Tonga in embarrassing World Cup loss
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/98791932/kiwis-fall-to-tonga-in-embarrassing-world-cup-loss
Rugby League World Cup
http://www.rlwc2017.com
