Tonga hold on to beat New Zealand 25-24 in ‘unforgettable’ Pacific Cup classic

Auckland epic sends Tonga into final with Australia
‘We wanted to fight fire with fire,’ says Fonua-Blake

Tonga have reigned supreme in one of the greatest rugby league Test matches of all time, holding on to beat New Zealand 25-24 and qualify for their first ever tier-one final.

In an Auckland epic that sent Tonga through to the Pacific Cup final against Australia, the visitors led 24-0 in the first half before the Kiwis drew level with 13 minutes to play. Isaiya Katoa then nailed a 75th-minute drop goal from 30 metres out to put Tonga ahead again, before the Kiwis missed several chances to win and draw level.

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Tonga hold on to beat New Zealand 25-24 in ‘unforgettable’ Pacific Cup classic

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