New Zealand beat Tonga to reach the Rugby League World Cup final

Sport · First reported 7 Nov, 11:18 · Updated 11:34

Image: Wikimedia Commons · Rekia1991 · CC BY-SA 4.0

New Zealand defeated Tonga 34-10 in the first semi-final, booking a place in its first World Cup final since 2013. Kalyn Ponga returned from a broken arm and helped set up the win; coverage also highlighted New Zealand’s second-half performance and Tonga’s strong first half.

New Zealand beat Tonga 34-10 in the semi-final and advanced to the final, its first since 2013.
Kalyn Ponga returned after breaking his arm in the tournament opener; he helped create New Zealand’s opening try and contributed to the side’s attack and defence.
Tonga led during the first half, but New Zealand went into the break ahead 12-10 and scored 22 unanswered points after half-time, according to The Guardian’s report.
Both reports describe difficult, windy conditions in Newcastle; the ABC also gives the crowd as 29,712.
New Zealand will face the winner of the Australia-Samoa semi-final in next weekend’s final.

Summary written by Lux AI from 3 articles

Key facts

Result: New Zealand 34, Tonga 10.
Venue: Newcastle.
Half-time score: New Zealand led 12-10.
New Zealand’s next match: The World Cup final against either Australia or Samoa.
Ponga’s injury: He returned after breaking a forearm in the tournament opener.