New Zealand beats Tonga 34–10 to reach the World Cup final
New Zealand defeated Tonga 34–10 in Newcastle to reach its first men’s Rugby League World Cup final since 2013. The Kiwis recovered from a first-half deficit and allowed no points after the interval. Kalyn Ponga returned from a broken arm, while six New Zealand players scored tries in the semi-final.
Sports··Evening
The Kiwis return to the final
New Zealand beat Tonga 34–10 in the men’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia. It is the Kiwis’ first World Cup final since 2013. They had trailed 10–6 late in the opening half but went into the interval 12–10 ahead. Tonga scored no further points, while New Zealand added 22 after the break. Kalyn Ponga, returning from a broken arm, set up Briton Nikora for the opening try, a score made by grounding the ball beyond the opposition line.[1], [2]
Fifita’s two tries give Tonga a brief lead
Jojo Fifita finished a long-range move involving Tui Lolohea and Tolu Koula to bring Tonga back into the contest. His second try followed a scrum and a move down the left, putting Tonga ahead after 32 minutes. Ponga also prevented a possible score by stopping Demitric Vaimauga just short of the line. Before half-time, Lehi Hopoate failed to collect a kick under pressure and Dane Gagai crossed to restore New Zealand’s lead.[1]
Four second-half tries extend the margin
Casey McLean scored in the 48th minute and Jahrome Hughes followed five minutes later, taking the score to 24–10. Xavier Willison crossed in the 70th minute before Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad finished Erin Clark’s cross-field chip at the buzzer. Wind gusts above 60 kilometres per hour complicated Tonga’s kicking, while several New Zealand kicks travelled beyond Hopoate and supplied favourable field position. New Zealand prop Naufahu Whyte left early in the second half with an ankle concern and did not return.[1]
