Pacific Championship 2024, Pacific Cup, New Zealand Kiwis, Tonga XIII, Preview, Official Team Lists, Injuries, Updates

The Kiwis and Tonga put it all on the line in Auckland on Saturday, with the winner facing Australia in the Cup final and the loser facing elimination.

Both sides have pushed the Kangaroos to the limit in their pool games and are looking forward to their chances in the decider on November 10, but they need to get there first.

In seven meetings between the two countries, the New Zealanders have held a 6-1 advantage, with Tonga’s only success coming at the 2017 World Cup when they triumphed 28-22 in Hamilton.

The last time they clashed was in 2022 in Auckland, when Jarome Hughes led the Kiwis to a 22-6 victory.

The win is down to just five Kiwi players, including leading forwards James Fisher-Harris and Joseph Tapine, who were superb against the Kangaroos on Sunday and must hold their own again if Stacey Jones is to enjoy her first win as head coach.

Tonga’s strength lies in its monster pack led by Addin Fonua-Blake, Jason Taumalolo and Ha’umole Olakauatu, and the battle in the middle of the park will go a long way in determining the winner in Auckland.

The winner moves on to the decider with a chance to beat the Kangaroos, while the loser will face the winner of the Pacific Bowl on November 10 in a promotion-relegation playoff for a place in next year’s Pacific Cup.

Team news

Kiwi: Coach Stacey Jones is sticking with the same starting line-up, with the only change coming from the bench: Newcastle’s Leo Thompson due to the suspension he picked up in week one of the NRL grand finals. Last week’s debutant Jordan Reekie is the man to make way. Erin Clark is again listed as the 18th person.

Tonga: Just one change to Tonga’s squad saw Roosters youngster Siua Wong appear on the bench in place of Keaon Kolomatanga, who left the team to be with his partner who is due to give birth. Wong will make his second Test appearance for Tonga after making his debut against England in Leeds last year. The rest of Christian Woolf’s squad remains the same after the opening defeat to the Kangaroos in Brisbane, with Tolu Cole listed as 18th man.

Static attack

• The Kiwis won all four Tests against Tonga played in Auckland.
• Tonga have scored just eight points from their last three Test matches.
• Kiwi winger Jamaine Isaako has scored five tries in the last four Tests.
• Daniel Tupou and Siliva Havili will reach the 20 Test milestone for Tonga.
• The Kiwis have won their last six Tests at Mount Smart Stadium.

Statistics provided by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the NRL Official Yearbook.