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New Zealand secured a 34-10 victory over a spirited Tonga side to reach the Rugby League World Cup final, overcoming a tense first half with 22 unanswered points in worsening weather conditions. The win sends the Kiwis into next weekend’s final, where they will face either Australia or Samoa, completing a double success in Newcastle following the Kiwi Ferns’ earlier victory over Samoa to reach the women’s final.
Historical Context and First Half Battle
The semi-final carried immense significance due to Jason Taumalolo’s decision to switch his international allegiance from New Zealand to Tonga in 2017, a move that sparked the rise of tier-two nations like Tonga and Samoa. Taumalolo and Tonga made history in 2017 by defeating New Zealand, and entered the match believing they could repeat the feat to reach their first final. However, as the final whistle blew in Newcastle, Taumalolo slumped to the turf knowing his international career was likely over.
The match hung in the balance at half-time, with New Zealand holding a narrow two-point lead. New Zealand recalled Kalyn Ponga to the starting lineup at full-back just 23 days after he broke a bone in his forearm during the tournament opener. The selection paid off immediately when Ponga set up Briton Nikora for the opening try after five minutes.
Tonga responded strongly as Jojo Fifita scored two tries—finishing a long-range break before powering over from close range—to give the Mate Ma’a the lead. As conditions deteriorated, New Zealand adjusted better through the kicking games of Jahrome Hughes and Ponga. Ponga’s kick set up Dane Gagai to score three minutes before half-time, and Jamayne Isaako added the conversion to give the Kiwis a two-point halftime advantage.
Second Half Dominance
Kalyn Ponga stated after the match that he was always determined to return from injury, noting that the first half was tough and that the wind aided them in the second period, alongside their resolute mentality that enough effort would bring rewards.
Capitalizing on prime attacking positions, New Zealand extended their lead eight minutes after the restart when Casey McLean finished brilliantly for his 18th try in eight Tests. Shortly after, Tonga misjudged a kick, allowing Hughes to score the Kiwis’ fourth try. Isaako excelled with the boot, converting all four tries despite swirling wind and driving rain to establish a 14-point cushion.
Xavier Willison added New Zealand’s fifth try, and another kick, this time from James Fisher-Harris, was grounded by Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to seal the result.
Tonga’s Departure and Tournament Outlook
Tonga exited the tournament with their heads held high following their strong campaign. Half-back Isaiya Katoa expressed immense gratitude for the supporters, emphasizing how much the backing from the global Tongan community meant to the team through thick and thin.
With Samoa and Tonga showing significant progress alongside New Zealand’s autumn resurgence, pre-tournament expectations leaned toward any victor other than Australia being a massive win for the sport. The Kiwis now stand well-positioned to challenge that dominance in the final.
