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Kiwis v Tonga XIII: Thompson starts; Wong joins bench

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The Kiwis and Tonga lay it all on the line in Auckland on Saturday with the winner to meet Australia in the Cup final and the loser facing the prospect of relegation.

Both sides pushed the Kangaroos to the limit in their pool games and will fancy their chances in the decider on November 10 - but they have to get there first.

In seven meetings between the two nations it's the Kiwis holding a 6-1 advantage, with Tonga's lone success coming at the 2017 World Cup when they prevailed 28-22 in Hamilton.

The last time they clashed was in 2022 in Auckland, with Jahrome Hughes steering the Kiwis to a 22-6 victory.

Only five members of the Kiwi side remain from that victory, including forward leaders James Fisher-Harris and Joseph Tapine, who were immense against the Kangaroos on Sunday and must stand tall again if Stacey Jones is to savour his first win as head coach.

Tonga's strength lies in its monster pack led by Addin Fonua-Blake, Jason Taumalolo and Haumole Olakau'atu, and the battle in the middle of the park will go a long way to determining the winner in Auckland.

The victor marches on to the decider and a shot at taking down the Kangaroos, while the loser faces the Pacific Bowl winner on November 10 in a promotion-relegation play-off for a place in next year's Pacific Cup.

Team News

Kiwis: Coach Stacey Jones has made a late tweak to his pack with Leo Thompson, who returns to action from suspension, starting at lock and Naufahu Whyte reverting to the bench. Erin Clark serves as the 18th man. 

Tonga: No late changes, with Roosters youngster Siua Wong confirmed to replace Keaon Koloamatangi (awaiting birth of his child) on the bench. The rest of Kristian Woolf's squad remains the same after a first-up loss to the Kangaroos in Brisbane. 

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Kiwis is number 1 Keano Kini
    Fullback for Tonga XIII is number 1 Lehi Hopoate
  • Winger for Kiwis is number 2 Jamayne Isaako
    Winger for Tonga XIII is number 2 Daniel Tupou
  • Centre for Kiwis is number 3 Matthew Timoko
    Centre for Tonga XIII is number 3 Mosese Suli
  • Centre for Kiwis is number 4 Peta Hiku
    Centre for Tonga XIII is number 4 Paul Alamoti
  • Winger for Kiwis is number 5 Will Warbrick
    Winger for Tonga XIII is number 5 Sione Katoa
  • Five-Eighth for Kiwis is number 6 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
    Five-Eighth for Tonga XIII is number 6 Tuimoala Lolohea
  • Halfback for Kiwis is number 7 Shaun Johnson
    Halfback for Tonga XIII is number 7 Isaiya Katoa

Forwards

  • Prop for Kiwis is number 8 James Fisher-Harris
    Prop for Tonga XIII is number 8 Addin   Fonua-Blake
  • Hooker for Kiwis is number 9 Phoenix Crossland
    Hooker for Tonga XIII is number 9 Siliva Havili
  • Prop for Kiwis is number 10 Joseph Tapine
    Prop for Tonga XIII is number 10 Felise Kaufusi
  • 2nd Row for Kiwis is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i
    2nd Row for Tonga XIII is number 11 Haumole Olakau'atu
  • 2nd Row for Kiwis is number 12 Scott Sorensen
    2nd Row for Tonga XIII is number 12 Eliesa Katoa
  • Lock for Kiwis is number 17 Leo Thompson
    Lock for Tonga XIII is number 13 Jason Taumalolo

Interchange

  • Interchange for Kiwis is number 13 Naufahu Whyte
    Interchange for Tonga XIII is number 14 Soni Luke
  • Interchange for Kiwis is number 14 Kodi Nikorima
    Interchange for Tonga XIII is number 15 Sitili Tupouniua
  • Interchange for Kiwis is number 15 Griffin Neame
    Interchange for Tonga XIII is number 16 Taniela Paseka
  • Interchange for Kiwis is number 16 Marata Niukore
    Interchange for Tonga XIII is number 17 Siua Wong

Reserves

  • Replacement for Kiwis is number 18 Erin Clark
    Replacement for Tonga XIII is number 18 Tolutau Koula

Match Officials

  • Referee: Todd Smith
  • Touch Judge: Dave Munro
  • Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond

Last updated:

Stat Attack

  • The Kiwis have won all four Tests against Tonga played in Auckland.
  • Tonga have scored only eight points in their past three Test matches.
  • Kiwi winger Jamayne Isaako has scored five tries in his past four Tests.
  • Daniel Tupou and Siliva Havili will reach the milestone of 20 Tests for Tonga.
  • The Kiwis have won their last six Tests at Mt Smart Stadium.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, 

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