In a heart-stopping Rugby League Test match that will go down in history, Tonga achieved a monumental 25-24 victory over tier-one powerhouse New Zealand. The thrilling encounter, played out in front of a raucous Auckland crowd, saw Tonga book their place in the Pacific Cup final against Australia and further solidify their rise as a genuine force in international rugby league.
Tonga’s Blistering Start Stuns Kiwis
Tonga came out of the gates firing on all cylinders, catching the heavily favored Kiwis off guard. The Tongan forward pack, led by the indomitable Addin Fonua-Blake and Jason Taumalolo, absolutely monstered their New Zealand counterparts in the opening exchanges. Fonua-Blake in particular was a man on a mission, racking up a colossal 214 meters and crashing over for a try after selling an audacious dummy.
The Tongan onslaught continued as hookers Siliva Havili and Soni Luke both scooted over from dummy half, while winger Sione Katoa finished off a well-worked team try. By the 30-minute mark, Tonga had incredibly raced out to a 24-0 lead, leaving the Kiwis shell-shocked and facing an uphill battle to get back into the contest.
Kiwi Fightback Tests Tongan Resolve
To their credit, New Zealand refused to lie down and mounted a spirited second half comeback. A Sitili Tupouniua error in the 35th minute marked a momentum shift, with Kiwi backrower Isaiah Papali’i barging over soon after to breathe life into his side.
The New Zealand resurgence continued as halfback Shaun Johnson stamped his authority on the match. The mercurial playmaker combined with fullback Keano Kini to send Phoenix Crossland over, before backing up a Peta Hiku linebreak to put Kini away for a crucial four-pointer.
When Kiwi prop Joe Tapine produced a moment of individual brilliance – toeing through a loose ball, regathering and stepping past Sione Katoa to score – the scores were suddenly locked up at 24-all with 13 minutes remaining. The stage was set for a grandstand finish.
Katoa the Hero as Tonga Holds Nerve
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. With tensions at fever pitch and both nations desperate for victory, it was Tonga five-eighth Isaiya Katoa who emerged as the unlikely hero. The 21-year-old showed nerves of steel to slot a pressure-packed 30-meter field goal, edging Tonga back in front 25-24 with five minutes left on the clock.
New Zealand had their chances to steal the result late on, but it wasn’t to be. Jamayne Isaako missed a difficult penalty goal attempt, before Johnson had a field goal charged down in a frantic final minute. Isaako regathered and tried his luck with a field goal of his own, but it sailed wide as Tongan fans erupted in jubilation.
Tonga Make History on Unforgettable Night
The heart-stopping 25-24 triumph marked just the fourth time Tonga has beaten a tier-one nation, and their first such victory in five years. More importantly, it secured them a berth in the Pacific Cup final against the mighty Australia Kangaroos – uncharted territory for the proud rugby league nation.
This is unforgettable… We wanted to fight fire with fire. We knew New Zealand had a world-class front row and team.
– Tonga captain Addin Fonua-Blake
Regardless of the result in the final, this Test match will live long in the memory of those who witnessed it. The courage, skill, passion and drama showcased by both Tonga and New Zealand encapsulated everything that is great about international rugby league. It’s a victory that will be celebrated from the streets of Nukuʻalofa to Tongan communities around the globe.
For New Zealand, it’s a painful defeat that will sting for some time. But they can hold their heads high after contributing to an all-time classic. On this night though, the Rugby League world belongs to Tonga. And they have no intention of giving it back any time soon.
New Zealand had their chances to steal the result late on, but it wasn’t to be. Jamayne Isaako missed a difficult penalty goal attempt, before Johnson had a field goal charged down in a frantic final minute. Isaako regathered and tried his luck with a field goal of his own, but it sailed wide as Tongan fans erupted in jubilation.
Tonga Make History on Unforgettable Night
The heart-stopping 25-24 triumph marked just the fourth time Tonga has beaten a tier-one nation, and their first such victory in five years. More importantly, it secured them a berth in the Pacific Cup final against the mighty Australia Kangaroos – uncharted territory for the proud rugby league nation.
This is unforgettable… We wanted to fight fire with fire. We knew New Zealand had a world-class front row and team.
– Tonga captain Addin Fonua-Blake
Regardless of the result in the final, this Test match will live long in the memory of those who witnessed it. The courage, skill, passion and drama showcased by both Tonga and New Zealand encapsulated everything that is great about international rugby league. It’s a victory that will be celebrated from the streets of Nukuʻalofa to Tongan communities around the globe.
For New Zealand, it’s a painful defeat that will sting for some time. But they can hold their heads high after contributing to an all-time classic. On this night though, the Rugby League world belongs to Tonga. And they have no intention of giving it back any time soon.
