Ponga returns to fire New Zealand into World Cup final with 34-10 win over Tonga
Kalyn Ponga returned from a broken forearm to inspire New Zealand to a 34-10 victory over Tonga at McDonald Jones Stadium in New South Wales on 7 November 2026, sending the Kiwis into their first World Cup final since 2013. Ponga featured with a protective arm guard and played at full-back after being named initially in reserve and then on the interchange bench during the build-up.
Ponga’s selection was a late change by head coach Stacey Jones, who promoted him into the starting 13 despite expectations he would be eased back into action. The Newcastle Knights full-back made an immediate impact on his home turf, combining attack and defence throughout the match after a forearm break 23 days earlier. The contest was played in difficult, windy conditions that tested both sides’ handling and kicking games.
New Zealand opened quickly when Ponga’s play set up Briton Nikora for a try in the right corner inside four minutes, and he was instrumental in the second try after a physical contest with Lehi Hopoate allowed Dane Gagai to ground the ball. Ponga repeatedly gathered high kicks and made several crucial defensive interventions, including throwing himself in front of Tonga second-rower Demitric Vaimauga to deny a certain score. He also delayed Hopoate’s run, preventing an offload to Isaiya Katoa at a pivotal moment while the score read 12-10.
The pre-match rituals provided a charged atmosphere, with Tonga’s Sipi Tau met by New Zealand’s Haka and a long stand-off between the teams, and Tonga fans again heavily represented in the crowd. Jojo Fifita crossed for two excellent tries to keep Tonga competitive in the first half. Kristian Woolf’s side, who beat England 30-12 in their opening match on 17 October and defeated Samoa the previous weekend, were unable to produce the same sort of second-half fightback on this occasion.
The match swung decisively in a five-minute burst after the interval when Casey McLean powered over in the left corner and Jahrome Hughes followed with a darting score. With scoreboard pressure, time and a strong wind against Tonga, Xavier Willison capitalised on a failed short drop-out to add another try. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad then grounded Erin Clark’s kick to complete New Zealand’s scoring.
Scoring details from the game list New Zealand tries to Nikora, Gagai, McLean, Hughes, Willison and Nicoll-Klokstad, with Isaako converting five goals. Tonga’s points came from two Jojo Fifita tries and goal-kicking by Isaiya Katoa. Ponga finished the match with three try assists and a 193-metre rack-up, and other notable New Zealand contributors included James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Jahrome Hughes.
New Zealand’s victory books them a place in the Men’s Rugby League World Cup final, their first appearance in the final since 2013, with Ponga’s return from injury a central feature of the win.