Fonua-Blake powers Tonga to beat Kiwis in epic thriller to reach Pacific final – and the Kangaroos should be nervous

Star prop Aidin Fonua-Blake put in a volcanic performance to send Tonga into the Pacific Championship final as New Zealand almost snatched victory with a spectacular comeback from 24-0 down.

The Cronulla-bound former Warriors powerhouse O’s defeated any black jersey in their path to inspire Mate Ma Tonga to a thrilling 25-24 victory in Auckland as they prepare for next Sunday’s clash with Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos at CommBank Stadium. Wore it.

New Zealand, under new coach Stacey Jones, must qualify for next year’s event by winning a playoff with the Pacific Bowl champions, just 12 months after defeating Australia 30–0 to lift the trophy.

Fonua-Blake and Cowboys veteran Jason Taumalolo delivered a powerful one-two punch in the middle of the field as New Zealand were badly outplayed in the first half.

But New Zealand players came back into the contest with four tries in the second half. Since there was no extra time in the rules of this tournament, a draw would have been enough for the Kiwis.

However, Isaiah Katoa kicked a field goal in the 75th minute and Tonga took the lead despite Jamayne Isaako missing a long-range penalty goal and then Shawn Johnson scoring a field goal after a failed attempt in a frantic final set. Maintained.

New Zealand escalated the drama by initiating a captain’s challenge, when Johnson claimed his legs were out after his kick, but the contact was ruled accidental and the Tongans celebrated as if they had won the entire tournament.

According to Cooper Cronk on Fox League commentary, Tonga’s victory was dictated by their heavy-handed forward players, who were “brutal in that middle third”. “It’s almost like a brick wall.”

Not at all, a brick wall would contribute more than a Tongan defensive line.

Tonga’s rise to become a force in international rugby league in recent years makes them the team most likely to end Australia’s dominance at the World Cup.

With their current form and their squad full of talent, it would be surprising if they fail to qualify for the finals of the next global tournament in Australia in 2026.

The Tongans struck in the third minute when Sione Katoa took a corner before the Kiwis could get a touch of the ball.

Fonua-Blake used his strength and footwork to make it 12-0 and leave five Kiwis behind in the 23rd minute.

“It was violent, in the middle it was physically brutal but at the edges some of the skills were absolutely brilliant. I’m not sure there’s any other forward who can put in that kind of effort,” Fox League analyst Michael Ennis said, marveling at the brute strength.

Adin Fonua-Blake steps up. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Sharks fans will be salivating at the prospect of the former Warriors giving their pack some much-needed gifts next year.

Siliva Havili took the lead a short time later and when Sonny Luke also took advantage of a tired Kiwi defence, the score was 24–0 in almost the same number of minutes.

New Zealand forward Isaiah Papalii scored a goal just before half-time to give the home team some hope heading into the second leg, despite the game being heavily contested.

The Kiwis managed to close the gap to 12 when Kino Kini crossed for the red jersey in the 50th minute and the Titans fullback was back in action as their gap increased to six on the hour mark.

Keaney and retiring halfback Shaun Johnson made room for center Peta Hiku and they both passed inside to send hooker Phoenix Crossland through for his first Test try.

Tonga coach Christian Wulff brought Fonua-Blake and Taumalolo back on to bring momentum back to his team.

Isaiah Katoa made a brilliant tackle on Kiwi center Matt Timoko, forcing Sione Katoa to break downfield and Tonga were unlucky to have Fonua-Blake and Taumalolo put them deep into the Kiwi red zone and Luke was out for eight after coming in. Couldn’t get it. The ribs were caught in a late hit by Joseph Tappin after referee Todd Smith called for just wide of the post.

Tappin then locked up the score at the other end of the field when he took a loose ball from Kini’s Hail Mary pass on the last play of the set and beat Sione Katoa to record a try that was hit by no one. Even the outside player will be proud. Forget about front-rowers.

The 24-24 deadlock provided a spectacular finale to a Test that will live long in the memory as one of the greatest clashes of the modern era.