New Zealand secured a 34-10 victory over Tonga at McDonald Jones Stadium in New South Wales on 7 November 2026 to reach their first Rugby League World Cup final since 2013. The match showcased a remarkable return by full-back Kalyn Ponga, who played just 23 days after breaking his arm.
Ponga, initially named in reserve and then as an interchange player, was surprisingly included in the starting 13 by head coach Stacey Jones. He made an immediate impact, setting up Briton Nikora for a try inside four minutes and playing a key role in Dane Gagai's score. Despite swirling winds, Ponga gathered high kicks cleanly and made crucial defensive stops, including halting Demitric Vaimauga and stalling Lehi Hopoate to prevent a try when New Zealand led only 12-10.
New Zealand's tries came from Nikora, Gagai, Casey McLean, Jahrome Hughes, Xavier Willison, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, with Jamayne Isaako converting five goals. Tonga's two tries were scored by Jojo Fifita, with Isaiya Katoa adding a goal. The match turned decisively in a five-minute spell after half-time when McLean and Hughes crossed, and Willison punished a failed short drop-out before Nicoll-Klokstad grounded a kick to seal the win.
The pre-match atmosphere featured Tonga's Sipi Tau war dance and New Zealand's Haka, followed by a prolonged stand-off. Tonga, who had earlier upset England 30-12 and defeated Samoa, could not mount a comeback against a determined New Zealand side buoyed by Ponga's inspirational performance.
