Ponga's shock return pays off for the Kiwis
Kalyn Ponga had been listed among the interchange players before the semi-final, and most observers expected New Zealand to use him sparingly only 23 days after he broke his forearm. Head coach Stacey Jones instead put him straight into the starting thirteen at full-back, and the Newcastle Knights player delivered at the McDonald Jones Stadium in New South Wales. Within four minutes Ponga had created the opening try for Briton Nikora, and he also had a hand in Dane Gagai's score.[S1][S2][S6]
Ponga's contribution went beyond attack. He repeatedly dealt with high kicks in swirling wind and made important tackles, including one that stopped the charging Tonga forward Demitric Vaimauga short of the line and another that halted Lehi Hopoate before he could offload. He finished with three try assists and 193 metres gained, and was named player of the match.[S1][S2]
Tonga lead at half-time before the Kiwis pull away
Tonga responded strongly after conceding early. Jojo Fifita finished a long-range move and then scored again from close range to put the Mate Ma'a 10-6 ahead, and the massed red-clad support sensed an upset. New Zealand needed something before the interval, and three minutes from the break a Ponga kick led to Gagai grounding the ball, with Jamayne Isaako converting to give the Kiwis a 12-10 advantage.[S2][S3][S6]
The second half belonged to New Zealand. Casey McLean crossed in the left corner and Jahrome Hughes darted over as the Kiwis scored four more tries and kept Tonga scoreless after the break. Xavier Willison punished a failed short drop-out, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad touched down Erin Clark's kick to complete the scoring. The Guardian reported that New Zealand scored 22 unanswered points as conditions worsened.[S1][S2][S6]
A final place and a rivalry that lifted the tournament
The match was preceded by Tonga's Sipi Tau facing New Zealand's Haka, with the players holding a long stare before kick-off. The occasion was widely described as a fine advertisement for international rugby league, and Tonga's run included an opening win over England on 17 October that ended the hosts' hopes of reaching the last four.[S1][S2]
New Zealand now await the winner of the second semi-final between Australia and Samoa, with the final scheduled for Sunday 15 November. The Kiwis last reached the final in 2013 and last won the title in 2008. For Tonga, the defeat came with a poignant note: Jason Taumalolo, whose 2017 decision to represent Tonga helped spark the rise of Pacific nations, was left on the turf at full-time with his international career likely finished.[S2][S5][S6]
