Pacific Champs: Kiwis book place in Cup Final

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Full-time: New Zealand fans, it's time to get your tickets to the Pacific Cup final. The Kiwis have booked their place in next Sunday's decider at CommBank Stadium with a commanding 40-14 victory over Tonga at Eden Park. The hosts were near flawless in the first half to jump out to a 24-2 lead at the break and they closed the game out in the second half. Kiwis 40 - Tonga 14.

76th minute: Tonga have given their fans something to celebrate and the 38,000 spectators at Eden Park have erupted after Daniel Tupou made a spectacular one-handed grab before launching himself through the air to score in the corner. Kiwis 40 - Tonga 14

72nd minute: Now Phoenix Crossland is getting in on the action for the second try of his international career. Dylan Brown produced a quick play the ball, Te Maire Martin darted from dummy half before throwing a spectacular offload to the hooker for the Kiwis' seventh try of the match. Kiwis 40 - Tonga 8.

65th minute: Dylan Brown has a double and it's come in unusual circumstances. Isaiah Papali'i poked his nose through the Tongan defensive line before offloading to Casey McLean. McLean drew the fullback before throwing the ball back inside. Will Penisini produced a desperate lunge to knock the ball down, but Brown was chasing through in support and pounced on the loose ball to score the try that puts this contest to bed. Kiwis 36 - Tonga 8.

61st minute: We are off to the Bunker, with Isaiah Papali'i looking to burrow his way over from dummy half. The on-field decision is held up and the Kiwis forward got incredibly close to grazing the grass but the Tongan defenders did just enough to prevent the try. Kiwis 30 - Tonga 8.

53rd minute: In the blink of an eye, all the Tongan hard work has come undone. The visitors allowed the kick off to hit the deck and it bounced over the dead-ball line, handing possession straight back to New Zealand. The Kiwis didn't need a second invitation and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad capitalised to extend his side's lead. Kiwis 30 - Tonga 8.

50th minute: The Tongan comeback has begun. An error by Casey McLean put the visitors on the attack and they capitalised when Demitric Vaimauga latched on to a Soni Luke pass and crashed over. The try came in the final minute of Erin Clark's stint in the sin bin and provided six crucial points before the Kiwis return to 13 men. Kiwis 26 - Tonga 8. 

44th minute: The lead is back to 24 after Jamayne Isaako slotted a simple penalty goal for the Kiwis. The penalty came on the back of a powerful Naufahu Whyte charge, with the prop breaking through the defensive line before eventually being dragged down by Lehi Hopoate. Kiwis 26 - Tonga 2.

Kick-off: New Zealand were almost perfect in the first half but they will have to start the second with just 12 men after Erin Clark was sent to the sin bin on the stroke of half-time. Clark's absence opens up a potentially dangerous period for the hosts, and they will need to withstand a Tongan storm to maintain their advantage. Kiwis 24 - Tonga 2.

 

Half-time: An interesting end to the half, with Isaiya Katoa kicking a penalty goal after time expired to score Tonga's first points. The visitors were looking to play fast when Erin Clark held a player down in the tackle as the clocked ticked towards zero. Ashley Klein showed no hesitation in sending Clark to the sin bin and the door is slightly ajar for Tonga if they can regroup at the break. Kiwis 24 - Tonga 2.

37th minute: That is a heavy blow on the stroke of half-time. Tonga received a pair of penalties to generate an attacking opportunity, but a loose pass from Will Penisini handed possession straight back to the Kiwis. The hosts capitalised, forcing a line dropout before Matt Timoko stepped his way to the try line for a crucial four-pointer as the clock ticks down. Kiwis 24 - Tonga 0.

30th minute: It's all one-way traffic at Eden Park and Casey McLean has produced a superb play to finish off a spectacular New Zealand try. Jamayne Isaako started the move down the right edge, racing down field before he was eventually dragged down. Dylan Brown then kicked to the left wing, with McLean soaring through the air to catch the ball before reaching out and slamming the ball down. The youngster now has seven tries in just three Tests for the Kiwis. Kiwis 18 - Tonga 0.

25th minute: New Zealand continue to press their advantage and Dylan Brown has spotted some tiring defenders, straightened, accelerated and burst his way through the Tongan defensive line to score his side's second. Kiwis 12 - Tonga 0. 

21st minute: We're off to the Bunker, with Isaiah Papali'i claiming New Zealand's second. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad went up to contest for a bomb, but the ball went forward off his arm before Papali'i picked up the loose ball. Tonga survive. Kiwis 6 - Tonga 0.

19th minute: They've come close to breaking through on multiple occasions and now New Zealand have the first points of the afternoon. It was a long range effort, with Keano Kini sending Casey McLean away down the left flank. The fullback backed up in support and received the pass back on the inside to complete a 90-metre try. Kiwis 6 - Tonga 0.

12th minute: New Zealand have dominated the opening exchanges, with a Tonga error handing the hosts possession. After coming close down the left flank earlier in the game, the Kiwis attacked down the right edge. Centre Matthew Timoko came close, but he too was bundled into touch. The Tongan cause has been dealt a blow, with Eli Katoa leaving the field for an HIA after copping a stray elbow from a teammate a few minutes ago. Kiwis 0 - Tonga 0.

5th minute: A fortuitous deflection has handed New Zealand the first attacking set of the game, however the Tongan defence is up to the task. Casey McLean looked destined to score in the corner, but he was quickly swamped by the cover defence and bundled into touch. The inclusion of Keano Kini has prompted a backline reshuffle for the Kiwis. While he was named on the wing, Kini is playing fullback, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad shifting to centre and McLean to the wing. Kiwis 0 - Tonga 0.

Kick-off: More than 30,000 fans have packed into Eden Park to turn the venue into a sea of red. The Tongans are looking to ride on the wave of fan support as they chase a win by 18+ points to book their place in the Pacific Cup final. There was plenty of emotion on display from both sides during the national anthems before Tonga performed the Sipi Tau and New Zealand the Haka to set the stage for what will be an epic contest. There was drama in the warmup for Tonga when Eli Katoa collided with a teammate, but he is set to take his place in the starting side.   Kiwis 0 - Tonga 0.

Stat Attack

• Kiwis centre Casey McLean has scored six tries in two Test appearances.
• Jason Taumalolo will make his 20th Test appearance for Tonga.
• Kiwi captain James Fisher-Harris will make his 20th Test appearance.
• Tonga return to Eden Park for the first time since their landmark 16-12 win over Australia in 2019.
• Interchange Te Maire Martin returns to the Kiwis line-up for the first time since 2018.

Late Mail

Kiwis: A change 24 hours before kick-off with Seb Kris dropping out of the side and Keano Kini the new replacement for Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee). Meanwhile, Jeremy Marshall-King (thumb) is sidelined so Phoenix Crossland is the new starting hooker. Warriors utility Te Maire Martin and Broncos forward Xavier Willison have been added to the bench. Having previously played one Test for Cook Islands in 2022, Willison earns his first cap for New Zealand. Nelson Asofa-Solomona drops out of the reserves with Scott Sorensen the new 18th man. No further changes in Sunday's team update.

Tonga XIII: Kristian Woolf has rejigged his forward pack 60 minutes out from kick-off. Moeaki Fotuaika moves from the bench to start at prop, with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki into the second row from the extended squad. Felise Kaufusi and Siua Wong shift to the bench, with Leka Halasima reverting to 18th man. Will Penisini joins the side at centre on Saturday with Tolutau Koula dropping out. Skipper Jason Taumalolo (knee) is back on deck after missing the Samoa showdown but centre Rob Toia (foot) and prop Stefano Utoikamanu (concussion) are both sidelined. Panthers star Paul Alamoti comes in at centre.

Women's Pacific Cup: Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos

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Full-time: Australia have held on to secure a tight six-point victory over the Kiwi Ferns at Eden Park. The match was an epic defensive struggle with points hard to come by. Abbi Church's try early in the second half proved to be the difference, with New Zealand able to pull within six but unable to produce an equaliser. The two teams now have just seven days to regroup before they do battle again in the Pacific Cup final at CommBank Stadium next Sunday. Kiwi Ferns 4 - Jillaroos 10.

68th minute: A big opportunity missed for the Kiwi Ferns after Mele Hufanga found space down the left edge. The centre's pass, however, was behind Annessa Biddle and she couldn't reel it in. Kiwi Ferns 4 - Jillaroos 10.

65th minute: New Zealand have made a last-ditch Captain's Challenge after the referee spotted a knock on in the contest for a Jesse Southwell kick. Replays show the Australian chasers were offside and the Kiwi Ferns receive a penalty and a chance to work into attacking field position. The hosts have been dealt a blow, however, with winger Leianne Tufuga leaving the field for a HIA. Kiwi Ferns 4 - Jillaroos 10.

58th minute: We are off to the Bunker after Raecene McGregor produced a chip into the in-goal. Isabelle Kelly attempted to knock it dead, but she didn't get much on it. Abigail Roache was chasing and desperately dived for the ball, the centre got her hands on the ball but grounded it on the line and Australia survive. The Jillaroos have lost their fullback, with Abbi Church succumbing to cramps and Julia Robinson shifting to the back. Kiwi Ferns 4 - Jillaroos 10.

56th minute: This match has well and truly turned in New Zealand's favour but the Australians are aiming up in defence. A Julia Robinson error put the Kiwi Ferns straight back on the attack and they attempted to crash straight through the front door. The Jillaroos were bent but they didn't break to maintain their six-point advantage. Kiwi Ferns 4 - Jillaroos 10.

50th minute: The Kiwi Ferns are back in this contest, with Annessa Biddle taking advantage of a momentary lapse in concentration by the Jillaroos. Play briefly broke down and all the Australians stopped to look at the referee. Biddle took off, breaking straight through the defensive line before holding off Ali Brigginshaw to run 70 metres for the try. Kiwi Ferns 4 - Jillaroos 10.

43rd minute: Jillaroos fullback Abbi Church has a try on debut. Jesse Southwell produced a well-placed grubber, Apii Nicholls put her body on the line to try clean it up, but the Kiwi Ferns fullback wasn't able to gather the ball. Church was on the spot to pick it up and score the try. The 27-year-old has been superb in her first international match, producing a number of dangerous runs and crucial defensive plays. Kiwi Ferns 0 - Jillaroos 10.

40th minute: That's an important defensive stand from the Kiwi Ferns to deny an Australian scoring opportunity. The chance came after New Zealand failed to gather another Jesse Southwell short dropout, but their defence was up to the task at the other end of the field. Kiwi Ferns 0 - Jillaroos 6.

Kick-Off: We are back for the second half, with Australia to have first use of the ball. The visitors struck a crucial blow on the stroke of half-time and will be looking to kick clear early in the second. New Zealand, on the other hand, are desperate to score first to draw level with the Jillaroos. Kiwi Ferns 0 - Jillaroos 6.

Half-time: That is time on a tense half of footy at Eden Park. The scores were tied for 31 minutes before the Jillaroos broke the deadlock through Jess Sergis. It was a big moment late in the half after the Kiwi Ferns had done so much work to deny their opponents, only to concede late. New Zealand will look to claim the upper hand after the break as they look to topple the world champions. Kiwi Ferns 0 - Jillaroos 6.

33rd minute: Australia have broken the deadlock and it's thanks to an impressive feat of strength by winger Jess Sergis. A Kiwi Ferns error put the visitors on the attack and this time they made the most of it. After attacking right, Tiana Penitani Gray got a quick play the ball, Abbi Church darted to the short-side and passed to Sergis, who shrugged off multiple defenders to get the ball down in the corner. Kiwi Ferns 0 - Jillaroos 6

30th minute: The Jillaroos have used up their Captain's Challenge, with the visitors alleging a high tackle. The Bunker quickly dismissed the appeal and New Zealand have possession 20 metres out from their own line. Kiwi Ferns 0 - Jillaroos 0.

29th minute: Jillaroos debutant Abbi Church has made a desperation play to beat Api Nicholls to the ball and prevent a Kiwi Ferns try. Church was tackled into the in-goal, but the visitors went short and regathered the dropout to regain possession. Australia's quest for victory has been made tougher, with confirmation Keeley Davis won't return due to a shoulder injury suffered in the second minute of the game. Kiwi Ferns 0 - Jillaroos 0.

23rd minute: It's the Kiwi Ferns chance to build some pressure now, with Raecene McGregor forcing a line dropout. A seven-tackle set gave the hosts a chance to work down the field and they capitalised, coming close to breaking through the defensive line on multiple occasions. Unfortunately the attacking set has come undone with a knock on and the pressure is eased. Kiwi Ferns 0 - Jillaroos 0.

17th minute: The Jillaroos have been slowly turning the screws, winning the field position battle and building the pressure on the Kiwi Ferns. The pressure led to an attempted 40-30 by Patricia Maliepo, however the ball sailed out on the full. The New Zealand defence had to scramble but they were up to the task to deny their opponents and force an error. Kiwi Ferns 0 - Jillaroos 0. 

10th minute: It's been an arm wrestle throughout the first 10 minutes, with both teams playing the territory game. The kicking games have also been exceptional, putting pressure on the back three from each side to work their way out of their own end. New Zealand have cracked first, however, handing Australia a penalty and a chance to attack. Kiwi Ferns 0 - Jillaroos 0.

2nd minute: The Jillaroos have received the first penalty of the match but it has come at a cost, with Keeley Davis leaving the field with a shoulder injury. Quincy Dodd comes on to the field in jumper No.14 and she looks set to play a much bigger role in this game than initially envisioned. Kiwi Ferns 0 - Jillaroos 0.

Kick-off: We are underway at Eden Park, with the Jillaroos kicking off a showdown between the two best teams in the world. Australia have had the upper hand of late, but New Zealand are well-rested and fancy their chances on home soil. Both sides have booked their place in next week's Pacific Cup final, with today's game a chance to build crucial momentum ahead of the decider at CommBank Stadium. Kiwi Ferns 0 - Jillaroos 0.

Stat Attack

• The Kiwi Ferns have won only one of their past 10 games against the Jillaroos.
• The Jillaroos have scored 150 points to four in two Test appearances in 2025.
• Centre Mele Hufanga has scored seven tries in 11 Tests for the Kiwi Ferns.
• Jillaroos winger Julia Robinson has scored 20 tries in 11 Test appearances.
• The Kiwi Ferns have 11 players remaining from the team that played at Eden Park in 2023 v Tonga.

Late Mail

Kiwi Ferns: Tiana Davison comes in at prop for the suspended Brianna Cark while winger Leianne Tufuga and forward Shaniece Monschau have also joined the 17, with Monschau on debut. Otesa Pule moves into the starting side in place of Shakira Baker, while Tysha Ikenasio has made way for Tufuga. New Zealand will line up 1-17, with Tyla King the 18th player.

Jillaroos: The calf injury to Tamika Upton brings Abbi Church in at fullback for her Test debut. Ellie Johnston has been promoted to start after impressing in her Test debut off the bench against Fetu Samoa with Rima Butler sliding to the bench. Wests Tigers forward Sarah Togatuki has been added to the bench in her first appearance of the campaign. Jakiya Whitfield, who came off the bench to play on the wing last week, reverts to 18th player. No further changes in Sunday's final update.