MMT strike again: Tonga pip New Zealand in historic Rugby Championships battle

What a game. What a win. What a moment for Mate Ma'a Tonga, the island Kingdom, and their fans.

This is another historic chapter in Tongan rugby league resurgence. It was one of the sport's great matches and included an extraordinary comeback.

Photo/Tonga Rugby League

The Tongan fans had much to sing about as their side clinched an impressive victory over the Kiwis, shutting out a New Zealand comeback in the second half to secure a 25-24 win in Auckland on Saturday night.

The historic win, only Tonga’s second over the Kiwis - the first in their World Cup clash in Hamilton in 2017 - secures a spot for the Pacific Islanders to take on world champions Australia in the Pacific Championships Cup final in Sydney next weekend.

The Tongan side - also known as Mate Ma'a Tonga - denied Kiwis’ coach Stacey Jones his first win at the helm of the New Zealand team.

The Kiwis' hopes of silencing the Sea of Red fans failed as they were shut out of the game - for most of the first half - until Isaiah Papali'i scored in the 37th minute.

Jamayne Isaako was successful with the conversion. Both sides went to the changing rooms with the visitors leading 24-6 at halftime.

Matchwinner: Isaiya Katoa's field goal clinches the win for Tonga. Photo/NRL

It was the Tongan forward pack that proved the difference - they were too strong, holding the Kiwis scoreless until Papali'i's try. An early try on the right edge from Sione Katoa showed the men in red meant business, they came to play.

The pressure continued from the Tongans, forcing errors from their clinical kicking game on young Kiwis’ fullback Keano Kini.

Kristian Woolf's side did not give the Kiwis an inch of space with the ball. The hosts were forced into errors, giving Tonga all the possession and territory in the first half.

Dally M Prop of the Year, Adidin Fonua-Blake (AFB), was ferocious with the ball in hand eating up the metres in the midfield.

New Zealand’s skill and experience showed in the second half, allowing the men in black to fight their way into the match and the scoreboard.

Siliva Havili, right, celebrates his try. Photo/NRL

Tackle breaks

Saturday's word of the match was ‘tackle breaks’. Tonga’s game plan looked simple, use the forwards to break through the middle and swing the ball out wide.

The Tongan forward pack had speed and agility to combine well with their power and ferocity.

This is why Addin Fonua-blake, a 104kg prop, ran nearly 20 metres in open space to score a try.

It seems Woolf’s boys have learned from their outing against Australia in round one when they lost in Brisbane 18-0.

Photo/Matt Manukuo

Fightback

The Kiwis' comeback was evident in the second half despite the Tongans' impressive lead, and Jones’ men did not look defeated.

The Kiwis' defence proved strong in the opening minutes of the second half, keeping the Tongans from making any significant go forward.

Kini, Shaun Johnson, and hooker Phoenix Crossland gave the home side some running power around the park.

The Kiwis' forward pack was mobile in open space, shifting the ball around and throwing the Tongan defence out of motion.

Valiantly, the Kiwis fought back to deny the Tongans a point and level the scores 24-all with 10 minutes to go in the match.

Photo/RNZ

Clinical

Isaiya Katoa, in a moment of brilliance, clinched the victory for Tonga in front of a packed Go Media Stadium.

With five minutes to go, Tonga managed to fight back into the game after most of the second-half momentum swung in favour of the Kiwis.

The Tongan forwards stayed valiant, and after some strong carries in the Kiwis’ red zone, Katoa clinched the victory for Tonga with a field goal 30 metres out.

The game wasn’t over, though. The Kiwis had another shot at goal from 40 metres out in the dying minutes of the game. But a missed conversion dealt the final blow for the Kiwis, suffering another loss this year.

Kiwis' playmaker Shaun Johnson tries to stop a Tongan attack. Photo/RNZ

Earlier, Fetu Sāmoa defeated the Fiji Bulikula 16-12 to win the women’s Bowl title and secure a World Cup spot.

The Sāmoans now head to next year's RLWC in England.

Tonga: Backs - Lehi Hopoate, Daniel Tupou, Mosese Suli, Paul Alamoti, Sione Katoa, Tuimoala Lolohea, Isaiya Katoa. Forwards - Addin Fonua-Blake, Siliva Havili, Felise Kaufusi, Haumole Olakau'atu, Eliesa Katoa, Jason Taumalolo. Interchange - Soni Luke, Sitili Tupouniua, Taniela Paseka, Siua Wong. Reserves - Tolutau Koula, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Isaiah Iongi, Keaon Koloamatangi. Ins - Iongi, Finefeuiaki, Wong.

NZ: Backs - Keano Kini, Jamayne Isaako, Matthew Timoko, Peta Hiku, Will Warbrick, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Shaun Johnson. Forwards - James Fisher-Harris, Phoenix Crossland, Joseph Tapine, Isaiah Papali'i, Scott Sorensen, Naufahu Whyte. Interchange - Kodi Nikorima, Griffin Neame, Marata Niukore, Leo Thompson. Reserves - Erin Clark, Jordan Riki, Casey McLean, Trent Toelau. Ins - McLean, Thompson, Toelau.