After two and a half years, it was more than worth the wait, a welcome change from the grinding diet of NRL football.
It was another great opportunity at Mt Smart, with a whopping 27,000 strong crowd, as the Kiwis outscored a youthful Mate Ma’a Tonga outfit to win 26-6.
Despite the leaderboard, it was an intensely competitive competition. There was the usual blood and thunder, amid clashes and hits probably felt in the neighboring neighborhood.
But even with their acclaimed forward pack, Tonga could never get a foothold in the game, broken down by a relentless Kiwi effort, with their defensive performance particularly impressive. Joseph Manu excelled at fullback – involved in almost everything for New Zealand while running for more than 350 meters – and part of a backbone that was a class above their opponents.
Half-back Jahrome Hughes was outstanding with his kicking and running threat, while hooker Brandon Smith still had a big game in the Black and White V.
The group also faced the challenge, with James Fisher-Harris and Joseph Tapine prominently under a relentless forward effort.
The only downside for the Kiwis was their performance, with many points left out there, although some rust was understandable after the back of just two training sessions, after the long hiatus since November 2019. But the show has New Zealand underscores its potential for what’s coming at the end of the year, with this Kiwi machine going to make many heads turn in England.
Tonga will also create courage. They spent almost the entire game in their own half – but never faded – by trying to keep the Brit Nikora over the line in the 78th minute.
They had a green appearance – with nine debutants in their 17s – but a typically brutal suit, led by Jason Taumalolo and Addin Fonua-Blake, although they were rarely on the front foot, while the Kiwis’ four test rookies and their new had appearance. .
The emotion of the event was evident from the folk songs, especially for Smith and Kiwi debutant Marata Niukore. Peta Hiku led the haka, before Tonga responded with a passionate 90-second Sipi Tau.
The Kiwis made a perfect start, with Hughes shooting over from close range in the third minute. After Manu and Smith made incisions, Hughes found his way through four defenders with a branded bust.
There was another four minutes later, with Rapana combining with Dylan Brown to close out a Kenny Bromwich line break. It was electrical goods, with Tonga completely starved of possession.
But their reaction came with their first opportunity, after a Jesse Bromwich foul. Brilliant play in the second phase stretched the local defense, which eventually allowed Sione Katoa to dive into the corner, unleashing massive celebrations from the mass sea of red on the stands.
Tonga had some momentum, but it did not hold up as the Kiwis continued to monopolize ownership and territory. An acrobatic finish by Ronaldo Mulitalo – after a stunning harbor bridge pass from Brown that looked like he was stopping in the air – increased the Kiwis’ advantage, but they should have had more, especially as Christian Tuipulotu spent 10 minutes in the sin bowl before rest time.
But they did not have the polish to look up a few chances and were also denied by a magnificent defense, with Kotoni Staggs blocking both Rapana and Hiku when they had a chance to score.
By halftime, the Kiwis enjoyed 56 percent possession and nearly doubled the running meter of their opponents. As the rain subsided, the quality dropped after halftime, with a string of handling errors from both teams. This meant that the Kiwis could not get anything going – despite a lot of territory – with Tonga being beaten on their own side, only to stay in the game through brave diving.
There were moments of magic – with Manu’s solo break and grubber a highlight – as he continually tested the opposition defense. After a pointless third quarter, the wall finally broke in the 64th minute, with Isaiah Papali’i rushing over a Fisher-Harris short ball after a precise Hughes kick dropped a goal line.
They should have been the clue for more, but the Kiwis could not find their lead, while Tonga kept their line – and pride – intact for the last 15 minutes.
Kiwis 26 (Jahrome Hughes, Jordan Rapana, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Isaiah Papali’i tries; Rapana 4 cons, pen), Tonga 6 (Sione Katoa three; Kotoni Staggs conversion). HT: 20-6.