New Zealand triumphed over Tonga with a convincing score of 40-14 at Eden Park, securing their place in the Pacific Cup final against Samoa on November 9, 2023. The Kiwis showcased a dominant performance led by the exceptional talents of fullback Keano Kini and five-eighth Dylan Brown. Tonga, needing to win by 18 points to qualify for the final, struggled throughout the match and were unable to mount a serious challenge.
Tonga’s troubles were compounded by injuries, with second-rower Eliesa Katoa leaving the field for two head injury assessments (HIAs) after suffering a concussion during warm-ups. Tonga’s coach, Kristian Woolf, confirmed that Katoa did not undergo a concussion test after colliding with fullback Lehi Hopoate before the match. “My job is not to question doctors,” Woolf stated, emphasizing that the medical team was satisfied with Katoa’s condition at the time. Unfortunately, Katoa later displayed symptoms of concussion and was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
Woolf noted, “He has gone to hospital after he wasn’t too great on the sideline. I don’t know the full details but the doctors have gone with him. I have been told he was improving before he went to hospital.” Katoa had passed an initial HIA during the game but was sidelined after his second head injury.
The Kiwis faced their own challenges leading up to the match, losing center Sebastian Kris and prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona to calf injuries earlier in the week. New Zealand’s coach, Stacey Jones, confirmed that both players would miss the final against Samoa.
Dynamic Performances Propel New Zealand
Kini’s late insertion at fullback proved to be a tactical masterstroke. After Jones made a late change, shifting Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad to center, Kini dazzled from the start. The young player, who had only participated in six NRL games for Gold Coast in 2025 due to a neck injury, was instrumental in the Kiwis’ success. “He was class. He did that for us last year,” Jones remarked.
Kini opened the scoring with a spectacular 85-meter play alongside Casey McLean. The Kiwis quickly established control, with strong performances from forwards Joseph Tapine, James Fisher-Harris, and Moses Leota. Brown’s aggressive running style led to a quick 12-0 lead, and he capped a length-of-the-field movement with a cross-field kick that allowed McLean to score, marking his seventh try in just three Tests.
As the first half neared its conclusion, Kiwis forward Erin Clark was sin-binned, allowing Tonga to score their first try through forward Demitric Vaimauga, following an impressive run from bench hooker Soni Luke. Their brief moment of celebration was short-lived, as Brown quickly responded by assisting Nicoll-Klokstad for a try, further extending New Zealand’s lead.
The second half saw Brown showcase his exceptional form, scoring a second try as the Kiwis capitalized on Tonga’s defensive lapses. New Zealand’s bench forwards, including Xavier Willison, Naufahu Whyte, and Clark, provided additional strength, contributing to the Kiwis’ dominant performance.
Tonga’s defense faltered, leading to missed tackles and turnovers, marking a disappointing campaign in the Pacific Cup. Despite the return of lock and co-captain Jason Taumalolo from a knee injury, Tonga will need significant improvements to compete effectively in next year’s World Cup.
The Kiwis’ victory not only secures their spot in the final but also highlights the depth and talent within their squad, setting the stage for an exciting clash against Samoa.
