'That is just a no-no': Kiwis 'rocked' as Tonga stunner silences NZ ...
Tonga have burst out of the blocks in Auckland and lead New Zealand 24-6 to leave the home crowd stunned.
The Tongans scored before the Kiwis even touched the ball when they put it through the hands and Sione Katoa crossed out wide in the fourth minute.
Addin Fonua-Blake and Siliva Havili later scored to put Tonga ahead 18-0, with Cooper Cronk noting in commentary that the hosts looked “rocked”.
Panthers hooker Soni Luke then darted out of dummy-half to make it 24-0, with Cronk adding New Zealand coach Stacey Jones would be “filthy” with the marker defence.
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“That is just a no-no,” he said.
MATCH CENTRE: New Zealand vs Tonga teams, scores, updates
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MATCH PREVIEW
New Zealand host Tonga for a spot in the Pacific Championships final in a blockbuster clash at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.
For the Kiwis Leo Thompson returns from suspension with Jordan Riki making way in the only change for Stacey Jones.
Thompson will start at lock with Naufahu Whyte shifting to the bench. Tonga are 1-17.
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For Tonga, Roosters youngster Siua Wong added to the bench in place of Keaon Koloamatangi, who has left the squad to be with his partner for the birth of their child.
The clash between James Fisher-Harris and Addin Fonua-Blake promises to set the scene for an explosive contest.
Young gun fullbacks Keano Kini and Lehi Hopoate will battle it out in a mouth-watering contest.
And Shaun Johnson and Isaiya Katoa will be crucial to their side’s chances at halfback.
It sets the scene for an epic clash between the fierce rivals for the chance to take on the Kangaroos in the final next week.
TEAMS
New Zealand: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Peta Hiku 5. William Warbrick 6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Scott Sorensen 17. Leo Thompson 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Griffin Neame 16. Marata Niukore. 18th man: 18. Erin Clark
Tonga: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Moses Suli 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Sione Katoa 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Siliva Havili 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Soni Luke 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Taniela Paseka 17. Siua Wong. 18th man: 18. Tolutau Koula
