Kiwis Dominate Tonga with 40-14 Victory at Eden Park

The New Zealand Kiwis secured a commanding **40-14** victory over the Tonga XIII at **Eden Park** on Sunday afternoon, effectively overpowering their opponents in the final round of the **Pacific Cup** competition. With **38,114** fans in attendance, the majority clad in red and waving Tongan flags, the Kiwis not only avenged their narrow loss to Tonga from the previous year but also booked a place in the final against **Toa Samoa** in Sydney next weekend.

New Zealand showcased their prowess by scoring a total of seven tries, while Tonga managed to cross the Kiwi line twice. The Kiwis established dominance early, leading **24-2** at halftime after four tries within the first 40 minutes. Both teams displayed intensity and physicality, exchanging powerful hits as they performed their traditional war dances, the **haka** for New Zealand and **sipitau** for Tonga.

First Half Highlights

Kiwi captain **James Fisher-Harris** played a pivotal role in his team’s success, while **Dykan Brown**, playing at five-eighth, was instrumental in orchestrating New Zealand’s attacks. His tactical kicks frequently troubled the Tongan defense. Tongan leaders **Addin Fonua-Blake** and **Jason Taumalolo** were also notable, pushing their team forward with significant hit-ups.

The game’s first try came in the **18th minute**, when Kiwi **Casey McLean** broke away from inside his own 20 meters, outpacing the Tongan defense to set up winger **Keano Kini** for a score between the posts. Just minutes later, New Zealand continued their momentum, with Brown slicing through the defense before McLean added another try five minutes later.

**Matthew Timoko** contributed to the scoring frenzy with a try in the **36th minute**, diving over in a contest with Tongan fullback **Lehi Hopoate**. Kiwi kicker **Isaako** successfully converted all four first-half tries, while Tonga managed to secure their first points just before the halftime whistle, courtesy of **Isaiya Katoa**.

At halftime, New Zealand enjoyed **59 percent** possession, completing **15 of 21** sets for a **71 percent** completion rate, compared to Tonga’s **41 percent** possession and **13 of 18** set completions.

Second Half Performance

The Kiwis resumed in the second half with the same intensity, as Isaako quickly added two points after a penalty against Tonga’s **Demetric Vaimaunga** for being offside. This increased New Zealand’s lead to **26-2**. Tonga found a glimmer of hope when Vaimaunga scored in the **49th minute**, with Katoa converting to narrow the score.

However, New Zealand responded swiftly, with **Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad** scoring another try shortly thereafter. Brown continued his impactful performance by scoring his second try in the **64th minute** after a Tongan error near their line. In the **70th minute**, hooker **Phoenix Crossland** added to the Kiwis’ tally by crashing over the line against three Tongan defenders.

Despite a late try from Tongan winger **Daniel Tupou**, who redeemed himself after an earlier error, the match concluded with New Zealand firmly in control at **40-14**.

Throughout the match, New Zealand’s statistics demonstrated their dominance, achieving **75 percent** completion with **30 of 40** sets, while Tonga managed **66 percent** completion with **24 of 36** sets. The Kiwis also outgained Tonga in total meters, recording **1,827 meters** compared to Tonga’s **1,027 meters**, and executing **10 line breaks** against Tonga’s **three**.

The victory leaves the Kiwis poised for a significant showdown against Toa Samoa, as they continue their pursuit of success in the Pacific Cup.