By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission

It’s a sea of red tonight at sold-out Mt Smart Stadium as Mate Ma’a Tonga take on the Kiwis in rugby league action. Here’s the best of some Tongan spirit in the stands.

Tongan fans at Mt Smart stadium.

Photo: RNZ / Anric SitanileiRead RNZ’s live Kiwis v Mate Ma’a Tonga blog here.

Fan expectations are high for both teams who haven’t played an international since 2019 due to Covid-19 disruptions.

Photo: RNZ / Anric Sitanilei

Photo: RNZ / Anric Sitanilei

Photo: RNZ / Anric Sitanilei

Photo: RNZ / Anric Sitanilei

Photo: RNZ / Anric Sitanilei

Photo: RNZ / Anric Sitanilei

Photo: RNZ / Anric Sitanilei

Photo: RNZ / Anric Sitanilei

Photo: RNZ / Susana Suisuiki

Photo: RNZ / Anric Sitanilei

Photo: RNZ / Anric Sitanilei

Photo: RNZ / Susana Suisuiki

Photo: RNZ / Anric Sitanilei

Photo: RNZ / Susana Suisuiki

Photo: RNZ / Susana Suisuiki