Ponga returns from broken arm as New Zealand beat Tonga to reach World Cup final

New Zealand reached their first men’s Rugby League World Cup final in 13 years with a 34–10 victory over Tonga, helped by Kalyn Ponga’s return just 23 days after breaking his left forearm. BBC Sport reported that the full-back was involved in four of the Kiwis’ six tries after being promoted into the starting side for the semi-final in Newcastle.

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Ponga had suffered the injury during New Zealand’s opening match against Australia in Sydney on 15 October. He scored twice on his international debut but needed surgery after being hurt in a tackle involving Cameron Munster. New Zealand lost that match 24–22. His route back into the team remained uncertain late in the preparations for Tonga: he was first listed among the reserves, then on the interchange bench, before starting.

Head coach Stacey Jones said the decision followed checks at the team’s second-to-last training session. Ponga wore protective strapping around his forearm and helped create tries for Briton Nikora, Casey McLean and Xavier Willison. He was also involved in the passage that produced Dane Gagai’s try and stopped Demitric Vaimauga near the line. Captain James Fisher-Harris highlighted both his defensive contribution and his influence on the players around him.

The contest remained close for the opening 48 minutes before New Zealand scored two tries within five minutes to move 14 points clear. Jamayne Isaako converted five of the six tries despite strong winds, bringing his tournament kicking record to 36 successful attempts from 38. Gagai also helped launch the counter-attack that led to McLean’s score, while Jahrome Hughes contributed with his running and kicking.

Tonga coach Kristian Woolf acknowledged that his side had coped less effectively with the conditions, which worsened as wind and rain swept through the second half. He described the defeat as a lost opportunity for a team that had gone unbeaten in the group stage. Tonga were appearing in only their second semi-final, but Woolf said the squad now regarded itself as capable of winning the competition rather than simply competing in the knockout rounds.

New Zealand will pursue a second men’s world title after their 2008 success. Their women’s team also secured a place in the final, beating Samoa 32–0 with three tries from Stacey Waaka. Both New Zealand sides last won the tournament in 2008; their latest semi-final victories give each another chance to end that wait.