SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2nd 8:05pm(GMT+13) GO MEDIA STADIUM,AUCKLAND,NZ
- Kiwis and Tonga Set for Crucial Clash in Auckland
- Historical Edge: Kiwis Look to Maintain Dominance Over Tonga
- Stacey Jones Relies on Core Players for Kiwis’ Success
- Tonga’s Powerhouse Forwards Ready to Challenge Kiwis
- Kiwi Team News: Unchanged Starting Line-up
- Auckland’s Test History Favours the Kiwis
- Fetu Samoa and Fiji Bulikula Prepare for Battle
- PREDICTION
Kiwis and Tonga Set for Crucial Clash in Auckland
Historical Edge: Kiwis Look to Maintain Dominance Over Tonga
The Kiwis and Tonga are set to leave it all on the field in Auckland this Saturday. The winner will advance to face Australia in the Cup final, while the loser will be relegated to a promotion-relegation play-off.
Both teams pushed the Kangaroos to the edge in their pool games, and they’re each confident of making the final on November 10—but first, they have to secure their spot.
In seven previous clashes, the Kiwis hold a 6-1 edge, with Tonga’s sole victory a 28-22 triumph in Hamilton during the 2017 World Cup.
Stacey Jones Relies on Core Players for Kiwis’ Success
The last encounter between the two teams took place in Auckland in 2022, where Jahrome Hughes led the Kiwis to a 22-6 win.
Only five players from that Kiwi squad remain, including forward stalwarts James Fisher-Harris and Joseph Tapine, who were outstanding against the Kangaroos on Sunday and will need to bring their best again if Stacey Jones is to claim his first win as head coach.
Tonga’s Powerhouse Forwards Ready to Challenge Kiwis
Tonga’s power lies in its formidable forward pack, featuring Addin Fonua-Blake, Jason Taumalolo, and Haumole Olakau’atu. This battle in the middle will be critical in deciding the outcome in Auckland.
Kiwi Team News: Unchanged Starting Line-up
The victor moves on to challenge the Kangaroos in the final, while the loser will face the Pacific Bowl winner on November 10 in a play-off for a place in next year’s Pacific Cup.
Kiwi Team.
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 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Kodi Nikorima , 15. Griffin Neame 16. Marata Niukore 17. Leo Thompson 18. Erin Clark 19. Jordan Riki, 20. Casey McLean 21. Trent Toelau
Coach Stacey Jones is sticking with the same starting 13, making only one change on the bench: Newcastle’s Leo Thompson returns from a suspension he received in week one of the NRL finals. Last week’s debutant, Jordan Riki, makes way for Thompson, while Erin Clark remains listed as 18th man.
Tongan Team.
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 18. Tolutau Koula 19. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 20. Isaiah Iongi , 21. Keaon Koloamatangi
Tonga makes just one change, bringing in Roosters youngster Siua Wong on the bench to replace Keaon Koloamatangi, who has left to be with his partner for the birth of their child. Wong, set for his second Test appearance after debuting against England last year in Leeds, joins an otherwise unchanged squad from their opening loss to the Kangaroos in Brisbane. Tolu Koula is listed as 18th man for Kristian Woolf’s side.
Referee, Todd Smith, Touch Judge, Dave Munro, Bunker, Wyatt Raymond
Auckland’s Test History Favours the Kiwis
The Kiwis remain undefeated in all four Tests against Tonga played in Auckland.
Tonga has managed just eight points across their last three Test matches.
Kiwi winger Jamayne Isaako has been in strong form, scoring five tries in his past four Tests.
Daniel Tupou and Siliva Havili are set to reach the milestone of 20 Tests for Tonga.
The Kiwis have won their last six Tests at Mt Smart Stadium.
Fetu Samoa and Fiji Bulikula Prepare for Battle
Fetu Samoa.
1. Evania Pelite 2. Mercedez Taulelei-Siala 3. Lindsay Tui 4. Sarina Masaga, 5. Jessica Patea 6. Tavarna Papalii 7. Pauline Piliae 8. Annetta Nuuausala 9. Destiny Brill , 10. Laikha Clarke 11. Monalisa Soliola 12. Christian Pio 13. Sienna Lofipo 14. Jetaya Faifua , 15. Simone Karpani 16. Pihuka Berryman-Duff 17. Evah McEwen 18. Jasmine Fogavini , 19. Makayla Eli 20. Viena Tinao
Coach Jamie Soward has named an unchanged lineup, sticking with the same 17 players who secured the win over Tonga.
Fiji Bulikula.
1. Cassie Staples 4. Vitalina Naikore 3. Sienna Laing 6. Taina Naividi , 19. Abigayle Sekitoga 17. Luisa Yaranamua 5. Losana Lutu 2. Ilisapeci Bari 9. Sereana Naitokatoka, 8. Sereana Maragi 11. Nanise Vakacavu 12. Latisha Smythe 18. Talei Holmes, 14. Anastacia Shum-Cottrell 20. Mere Kilawekana 21. Ema Rainima 25. Teaghan Hartigan , 10. Asenaca Diranuve 15. Rory Muller 23. Rusila Camaibure 24. Ateca Naicaucauceva
There’s just one change, with Sereana Maragi joining the team at prop, replacing Aliti Namoce.
PREDICTION
I will go with the Kiwi team in the main game, and Fetu Samoa in the women’s game.
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