Kiwis v Tonga Rugby League: What you need to know

Kiwis v Tonga

Start: 20:05 Saturday, November 2

Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Live updates on the RNZ Sport blog

Both teams came up short against the Kangaroos in relatively low-scoring affairs to start the Pacific Championships. So their true standard of international football will be revealed on Saturday night when the Kiwis finally take on Tonga at a sold-out Mount Smart Stadium in front of a sea of ​​red and black.

It’s always an explosive game when these two teams meet, and with a spot in the men’s Pacific Championship final on the line, expect both teams to leave it all on the court.

The Kiwis will be looking to bounce back from a lackluster performance against Australia, one that showed plenty of promise but lacked serious cohesion. The 22 – 10 score line reflected the battle between the two teams.

Tonga’s 18-0 loss to Australia did not fully reflect the effort on the field. Tonga showed good resilience in defence, with the score exploding just a little at the end.

Here’s a look at the teams:

Kiwi: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Peta Hiku 5. Will Warbrick 6. Charnze Nicole-Klokstad 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Fisher-Harris (C) 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Scott Sorensen 13. Naufahu Whyte

Exchange: 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Griffin Neame 16. Marata Niukore 17. Leo Thompson

Tonga: 1. Lei Hopoate 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Mosese Suli 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Sione Katoa 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonta-Blake (C) 9. Siliva Havili 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Haumole Olakau’ atu 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Jason Taumalolo

Exchange: 14. Soni Luke 15. Sitili Tuponiua 16. Taniela Paseka 17. Siua Wong

Kiwi selection

The Kiwis opted for almost the same line-up they did against Australia last week, apart from a few minor changes.

Leo Thompson comes in for Jordan Riki on the bench, while Griffin Neame is on the bench. Joe Tapine moves to prop with Naufahu Whyte starting in the 13 jump.

Tonga selection

Tonga made just one change from their line-up against the Aussies two weeks ago. Keaon Koloamatangi has left the squad to be with his partner who is due to give birth and is replaced by Roosters young gun Siua Wong on the bench.

The last time they met

Kiwis 34 – 14 Tonga

In what was revenge for the Kiwis after their shock 28-22 loss to Tonga in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, the Kiwis went back to work, delivering a masterclass in attacking football.

Storm Brandon Smith absolutely tore the Tongan defense to shreds from false half. But just as the rivalry was beginning to build, this ended up being the last time the two nations faced each other due to the pandemic.

foresight

Both teams went down in tight battles against Australia, who – despite the scoreboards – could have gone either way but for the missed opportunities. Both will look to play with more attacking flair and cohesion.

It will be interesting to see the game plans both sides go with after both put in relatively conservative efforts against the Kangaroos.

The Kiwis would do well not to take this challenge from Tonga lightly and vice versa – if Tonga come out with a serious and formulated game plan, they will threaten.