New Zealand – Tonga score, game highlights, video, date Tonga – Australia Kangaroos, Sean Johnson

Tonga achieved a historic win by beating New Zealand 25–24 to book their place against Australia in the Pacific Championship final.

Tonga burst from the Auckland box to score four unanswered tries in the opening 32 minutes to stun the home side.

But the Kiwis came back to level the score at 24-24 thanks to veteran Joe Tapin’s incredible solo try in the 69th minute.

Watch every game of the 2024 Pacific Championship with expert analysis live without ad breaks during the game on Kayo. New to Cayo? Start your free trial today >

MATCH CENTER: teams New Zealand – Tonga, results, updates

The hosts built up all the momentum before 20-year-old Isaiah Katoa scored a long-range field goal in the 76th minute to prove the difference.

But the drama didn’t end there as New Zealand defender Jamaine Isaako had a chance to win the game with a 44-metre penalty, but the ball went wide and he also missed a late field goal.

Veteran Kiwi Sean Johnson had a field goal kicked and they disputed the claim that his legs had not been cut off, only for Bunker to agree with the decision on the field.

The victory, which Addin Fonua-Blake later described as “unforgettable”, means Tonga will now play in their first major final when they meet Australia in Sydney next Sunday.

REVIVE THE ACTION IN OUR BLOG BELOW. NOT SEE? CLICK HERE.

TEAMS

New Zealand: 1. Keano Keeney 2. Jamaine Isaaco 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Peta Hiku 5. William Warbrick 6. Charnes Nicholl-Klokstad 7. Sean Johnson 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Isaiah Papali 12. Scott Sorensen 17. Leo Thompson 13. Naufahu White 14. Cody Nikorima 15. Griffin Neame 16. Marata Niukore. 18th player: 18. Erin Clark

Tonga: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Moses Suli 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Sione Katoa 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Isaiah Katoa 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Siliva Havili 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Haumole Olakauatu 12 Eliza Katoa 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Sony Luke 15. Sitili Tupuniua 16. Taniela Paseka 17. Siua Wong. 18th player: 18. Tolutau Cole