The Tonga XIII rugby league team won against the Kiwis in Auckland tonight.
Tonga XIII perform The Sipi Tau. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Tonga avoided an upset and edged New Zealand 25–24.
Tonga has secured a spot in the Pacific Championships final after a dramatic and hard-fought battle against the Kiwis, winning the match at Mount Smart Stadium.
The game was a nail-biter from start to finish, with both teams displaying impressive skill and determination.
In a closely contested encounter, Tonga managed to edge out their rivals with a last-minute score that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The victory marks a significant achievement for the team as they advance to the championship final, ready to compete for the title.
Twenty-year-old Isaiya Katoa nailed a field goal for Tonga from 30 metres in the 76th minute, sparking a frenetic last couple of minutes as the Kiwis tried to get in front.
Their goal attempts went astray to the delight of the Tonga’s red-and-white flag-waving, hymn-singing supporters, who dominated the 22,000-strong crowd.
The result means Tonga will play Australia in the final next weekend, while the Kiwis will have a promotion-relegation match against the winner of the match between Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea on Sunday.
The Tongan team first defeated the Kiwis during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
Team lists
Kiwis: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Peta Hiku 5. Will Warbrick 6. Charnze Nicole-Klokstad 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Fisher-Harris (C) 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Naufahu Whyte
Interchange: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Griffin Neame 16. Marata Niukore 17. Leo Thompson
Tonga: 1. Lei Hopoate 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mosese Suli 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Sione Katoa 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonta-Blake (C) 9. Siliva Havili 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Soni Luke 15. Sitili Tuponiua 16. Taniela Paseka 17. Siua Wong
