The Kiwis fell agonisingly short in a dramatic Pacific Championships battle against Tonga, missing out on the Pacific Cup final and now facing a relegation playoff.
After trailing by 24 in the first half, the Kiwis fought all the way back before missing a penalty and two drop-goal attempts at the death in a 25-24 loss to Mate Ma'a Tonga at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart on Saturday.
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After a brilliant comeback from a 24-point deficit, a clutch field goal from Tonga’s young playmaker Isaiya Katoa in the dying moments shattered New Zealand’s hopes and sealed Tonga’s place in next weekend's final against the Kangaroos.
The Kiwis struggled early, as Tonga blitzed through the opening 34 minutes with powerful forward play, racing to a 24-0 lead. Addin Fonua-Blake and Jason Taumalolo, who have both previously played for the Kiwis, were unstoppable, each racking up over 100 meters to help their side dominate possession and territory.
Tonga completed their opening 17 sets, giving New Zealand few chances to respond.
But the Kiwis refused to go quietly. An error from Tonga gave New Zealand a lifeline, and Isaiah Papali’i’s try sparked a surge of momentum that saw the Kiwis rally back with 24 unanswered points.
Keano Kini and Phoenix Crossland both found the try-line, and then Joseph Tapine delivered a sensational solo effort to level the score with 12 minutes remaining.
Tapine’s try, where he toed through a loose ball and sprinted down the sideline, was a breathtaking moment of skill and determination that brought the Auckland crowd to their feet.
With the game hanging in the balance, Katoa kept his nerve to slot a field goal and regain Tonga’s lead with just minutes left.
The Kiwis fought back desperately, with Jamayne Isaako narrowly missing a penalty that could have edged them ahead. They had two more field goal attempts, from Shaun Johnson and Isaako, one of which was charged down, but it was not to be.
The defeat ends a proud streak for New Zealand, who just a year ago celebrated a commanding 30-0 victory over Australia to claim the inaugural Pacific Cup.
Now, they will face either Papua New Guinea or Fiji in a must-win playoff to stay in the top-tier for 2025.
In what was just Tonga’s second-ever win over New Zealand and first in Auckland, the Kiwis were ultimately left to rue their first-half lapse and the resilience of Katoa and the Tongan forward pack.
Despite the loss, the Kiwis’ comeback showed flashes of their competitive spirit and determination – qualities they’ll need to bring into their next matchup if they’re to hold onto their top-tier status.
Tonga 25 (Sione Katoa, Addin Fonua-Blake, Siliva Havili, Soni Luke tries; Isaiya Katoa 3 con, pen, drop-goal) Kiwis 24 (Isaiah Papali'i, Keano Kini, Phoenix Crossland, Joseph Tapine tries; Jamayne Isaako 4 con). HT: 24-6