Tonga fightback falls short against Roos

Kangaroos proved why they are world champions by overcoming a determined second half Tongan push to prevail 34-16 in their historic Test match. The Mate Ma'a were behind by 20 and had forced the Kangaroos into a fourth straight line dropout when the sellout Mt Smart Stadium crowd broke into hymns. And their prayers were answered when Solomone Kata crossed, instantly reviving memories of that near upset of England in their World Cup semi-final last year.However,
that was as close as the rising powerhouse got as James Tedesco restored the Kangaroos' lead in the 64th minute and effectively sealed victory. It was the contest Tonga - led by former Kangaroo Andrew Fifita - had been calling for since just falling short of a World Cup final on the same ground in 2017. And the fans turned out in their droves, with thousands lining up hours before kick-off to produce a sea of red and create a memorable atmosphere in Auckland. Unfortunately for the Tongan throng, their side started slowly.

Kangaroos v Mate Ma'a Tonga preview

For the Kangaroos to win: We wrote in our preview last week that if the Kangaroos' new-look spine clicked that should be enough to get them over the line. It did not, and the highly-impressive Kiwis were good enough to make them pay. It's the same again this week; Tonga will look to blow the Roos away
through the forwards but Australia unquestionably have more class in the playmaking options. However Daly Cherry-Evans, James Tedesco and Damien Cook will all need improvement from last week.For the Mata Ma'a to win: The forward pack is where they can get them. The Kangaroos pack was OK against New Zealand but the Kiwis pack was better. If Taumalolo, Fifita, Taukeiaho, Addin Fonua-Blake, Pangai jnr and co can get a roll on then the Aussies won't be able to dictate how they want to play. If this happens Tonga have enough strike in the backs to capitalise.

Mate Ma’a Tonga v Australia Kangaroos at Mt Smart Stadium, 5.45pm AEST

Tonga: 1. Will Hopoate, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Solomone Kata, 5. David Fusitu’a, 6. Tuimoala Lolohea, 7. Ata Hingano, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Sio Siua Taukaiaho, 11. Tevita Pangai Jr, 12. Sika Manu, 13. Jason Taumalolo

Interchange: 14. Sione Katoa, 15. Addin Fonua-Blake, 16. Joe Ofahengaue, 17. Peni Terepo

Reserves: 18. Konrad Hurrell, 19. Leivaha Pulu, 20. Robert Jennings, 21 Ben Murdoch-Masila

Kangaroos: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Dane Gagai, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Tom Trbojevic, 5. Valentine Holmes, 6. Luke Keary, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (vc), 8. David Klemmer, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Boyd Cordner (c), 12. Felise Kaufusi, 13. Josh McGuire

Interchange: 14. Ben Hunt, 15. Jake Trbojevic, 16. Tyson Frizell, 17. Aaron Woods, 18. Tyrone Peachey, 19. Reagan Campbell-Gillard

The talking point: Outspoken Tonga forward Andrew Fifita comes up against his Sharks teammates Valentine Holmes and Aaron Woods after being critical of his club not acknowledging his representative accomplishments with the Mate Ma’a.

The Fox Sports Lab stat: The last time Australia tasted consecutive defeats was against the Kiwis in the 2014 Four Nations final and the 2015 mid-year Test.

The odds (courtesy of Sportsbet): Tonga $3.55, Australia $1.30

Our prediction: Australia by 8

Centre: Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic v Michael Jennings and Solomone Kata

Mitchell finished the year as a grand final and Origin-winning centre and arguably the best in his position in the NRL. Trbojevic was huge on the wing for the Blues and at fullback for Manly but has relatively few starts at centre at the top level.

He made 18 tackles with none missed last week to suggest the increased defensive work won't trouble him but is still feeling his way in attack. Former Kangaroo Jennings remains a world-class centre and had a fantastic 2017 but like plenty of his Eels teammates had a tough 2018. Kata is hard to handle but can still produce worrying defensive reads.

Verdict: the form of Mitchell swings this to the Kangaroos.

Kangaroos v Mate Ma'a Tonga preview

The anticipation for this first-ever meeting between the might of Australia and the emerging power of Tonga is palpable. Neutral fans have been in awe of the passion and intensity frequently on show when the Mate Ma'a have clashed with Toa Samoa in recent years but Tonga's powerful surge into the final four of the last World Cup – and agonising two-point loss to England denying them a berth in the final – convinced everyone it's time for Tonga to get more chances against the 'big three'. No doubt the defections from Australia and New Zealand of stars like Andrew Fifita, Jason Taumalolo, Siosiua
Taukeiaho and David Fusitu'a boosted the little island's strength as a rugby league force and the result now is one of the most impressive forward packs in Test rugby league. Their squad is boosted by the inclusion of veteran and spiritual leader Sika Manu who was in doubt with a knee injury. The only additions to the squad from the team that soundly beat Samoa back in June are Tevita Pangai jnr plus World Cup squad members Ben Murdoch-Masila and Solomone Kata. Manu Ma'u is missing – he has not played since a nasty facial fracture suffered in that very game – and Rabbitohs prop Tevita Tatola is not selected. The Aussies will have few changes from the team that lost to New Zealand on Saturday; Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Tyrone Peachey are the two unused squad members who may get a chance while Mal Meninga will be hoping to have Luke Keary for more than the 16 minutes he got in a concussion-reduced debut.

Proud Kangaroo Kaufusi ready for Tongans

Kangaroos forward Felise Kaufusi understands the Tongan rugby league revolution better than most but insists the Australian jersey is the right one for him in Saturday's historic Test. Both Kaufusi's parents were born in Tonga along with his eldest three sisters, and the Melbourne second-rower played his first three Tests for the country before debuting for Australia at the end of last year. Born in New Zealand himself, the damaging edge runner moved from Auckland to Queensland when he was seven and now clearly identifies with being an Australian representative. 
But after playing for Tonga as recently as in last year's Pacific Test, he understands better than anyone in the Kangaroos camp just what Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo have been able to achieve since switching allegiances. "I respect them for that and hopefully it's a good thing going forward," Kaufusi told reporters in Auckland. "They are a real passionate bunch and really proud of where they're from. It's something special that they have in their camp. "I've played with most of them. I've played for Tonga before and am friends with them, but won't be friends on the weekend." Kaufusi's split ties stretch as far as his father joking he will wear half red, half green to Saturday's first meeting between the countries at a sold-out Mt Smart Stadium. Kaufusi's cousins, who still live in Auckland, met with him last week and weren't subtle in their jabs about the Tonga match either. But after only switching from the 15-man game to rugby league when he moved to Queensland at a young age, Kaufusi said it was an easy decision to pick the Kangaroos as his priority.

Kangaroos-Tonga Test already sold out

Australia's historic first rugby league Test against Tonga will attract a sell-out crowd, with the final tickets for the match being sold on Wednesday morning. After less than 13,000 fans attended New Zealand's defeat of the Kangaroos last weekend, the NRL has confirmed the same 30,000-seat stadium is already booked out. "The level of interest in this game has been staggering, so it will be great to see the house full sign up outside Mt Smart Stadium this Saturday," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.

"Many people worked very hard to make this game a reality and the result will be no doubt a real highlight for the international game and for the game overall." It follows on from the sold-out crowd of 30,003 for last year's World Cup semi-final between Tonga and England in Auckland. The announcement of the sell out comes after the New Zealand Rugby League were originally coy on hosting the Tonga Test, reportedly amid fears it would overshadow the promotion of their own match.

Thurston backs Inglis as Roos captain

Retired Kangaroos great Johnathan Thurston believes Greg Inglis should be reinstated as captain once he returns from suspension next year. The Queensland captain had been named to skipper Australia against New Zealand last Saturday following Cameron Smith's representative retirement before being charged for speeding and drink driving. The centre was stood down for two Tests, meaning he will also miss Saturday's clash with Tonga in Auckland, but Thurston said should assume the post beyond that. "Yeah definitely; I think he's the man for the job," Thurston said. "We've seen what he did for the Maroons. In some of those games I thought he was the best on the paddock ... he leads by example
 

"We all make mistakes and he's made one and owned up to it and no doubt he'll want to put it behind him and be better for it." Boyd Cordner took the reins in Inglis's absence last Saturday as Australia were humbled 26-24 by an inspired New Zealand outfit. Calling for more composure, Thurston said they would need to lift or face further embarrassment against a Tongan side with plenty to prove. "I just think they lacked a bit of composure at times (against New Zealand)," he said. "I felt like they were trying to win the game every time they made a line break (and were) pushing the pass. "They'll (Tonga) be jumping out of their skin, very fired up and no doubt our boys will need to be a lot better than they were the other night."

The one change the Kangaroos must make against Tonga to avoid ugly 40-year first

Defeat against Tonga will deliver Australia their first back-to-back international rugby league defeats in 40 years. And the Kangaroos know a repeat performance of the one against New Zealand last week will also leave them susceptible to one of the biggest upsets in league history. The historic clash with Tonga in Auckland is one of the most fiercely anticipated Tests in years, following Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo's efforts to revolutionise the Mate Ma'a in the past 12 months.

The rejuvenated Tongans showed their potential by reaching the finals of last year's World Cup, but it's not all going according to plan for the Kangaroos. The world champions suffered a humbling 26-24 loss to New Zealand last weekend where they had just 43 per cent of the ball. Australia completed 73 per cent of their sets against the Kiwis in their first match since the retirements of anchors Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk. "The biggest thing for us is just holding the ball," prop Aaron Woods said. "We put ourselves under the pump too much and had to make too many tackles. Walking off at half-time the possession was 69 per cent to 31.

Smith breaks down after Kiwis’ victory

Smith was reduced to tears when he hugged family after the game — his wrist spelling out RAMS, which was a tribute to his boyhood club. “The RAMS is my life really and I started playing for them when I was three,” Smith explained.“To look at it on my wrist when I am out there playing, I just try to be an inspiration to the little kids to let them know it is possible. “I just try to inspire them everyday and that is why I play rugby league really for my family and all the kids that I grew up with.” Smith was given a chance by Kiwis’ coach Michael Maguire and he more than warranted the faith shown in him to fill in for the injured Issac Luke. “New Zealand is where I’m from and that’s my culture and my family,” Smith said.

“I could never not put on the black and white. It means everything to me and to put on a show for my family and friends that’s what dreams are made of, so I’m very grateful.” Smith is expected to spend one more season behind Cameron Smith at club level, but with performances like this he has a long career as a starter for both club and country ahead of him. “I still can’t believe it. I think it’s a dream,” Smith said. “Madge is really pointing us in the right direction. We always knew we had the skill, but Madge has given us the belief that we can do it.“It’s been an unreal experience and I just can’t wait to play the next game.”

DWZ sizzles as Kangaroos fizzle in Kiwis’ boilover

KIWIS fullback Dallin Watene-Zelezniak produced a brilliant debut as New Zealand skipper to lead his side to a thrilling 26-24 victory over the Kangaroos. The New Zealand captain was everywhere for the hosts, matching Kangaroos’ fullback James Tedesco in a brilliant battle between the two. Latrell Mitchell and clubmate Joseph Manu produced a mesmerising
match up, with the Kiwis debutant getting the better of a fascinating duel. Set up first try with a through the legs miracle ball. Was denied a brilliant try near halftime. Ran for 139 metres and looked dangerous all night.

Kangaroos wary of Tonga after Kiwis loss

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga concedes Tonga will be fancying their chances of knocking over Australia after the world champions' shock loss to New Zealand. The Kangaroos' new era began with a 26-24 defeat to the Kiwis at Mt Smart Stadium, an outcome which indicated there are set to be some growing pains after farewelling some of Australia's all-time greats. The Roos were toppled for the first time in 14 games and the Mate Ma'a will come into next Saturday's clash at the same venue spurred on by a sold-out 25,000-strong sea of red and white.

"We know what's coming. We know how committed they're going to be," Meninga said. "We'll be ready for it physically and mentally ... I think they think we're beatable." While Tonga are stacked with some of the best players in the world in Jason Taumalolo, Andrew Fifita and Tevita Pangai Jnr, a loss to a non-tier one nation would immediately place Meninga and his squad under immense pressure. Meninga said we would resist the urge to make changes and bring in Reagan Campbell-Gillard or Tyrone Peachey after his side was beaten by the Kiwis for the first time Kiwis since 2015.. The 26-24 scoreline flattered the Australians after they ran in two late tries - scores that could not counter a glut of rudimentary errors.

Kiwis out to restore New Zealand's faith

Eighteen months after Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor's illicit substance scandal threatened to kill off their Kiwis careers, Michael Maguire has highlighted them as representative of the side's rebuild. At a time when New Zealand were being pegged as vulnerable and in danger of being usurped by Tonga, they produced a rousing 26-24 rugby league Test victory over Australia on Saturday. After a raft of representative retirements and missing the likes of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Issac Luke, the lightly-fancied Kiwis rolled the world champions for the first time in three years.

The Kiwis brand copped a black eye after Bromwich was stripped of the captaincy and he and Proctor were banished from the World Cup after being caught on CCTV snorting a substance off a drug dealer's phone after last year's Anzac Test. Saturday's game was their first back in Kiwis colours and coach Maguire said their ability to come back from a low point in their careers was representative of the character he wanted in his team. "People like Kevin Proctor and Jesse Bromwich, they've faced adversity and what we saw, to come back in form the way they did," Maguire said. "A lot of young kids, unfortunately, at some stage make a mistake and those two boys have definitely put their hands up and turned a bit of adversity into strength and where we want to be. "Both of those boys performed very well." Next Saturday's Test between Tonga and Australia at Mount Smart is already sold out, prompting fears the Mate Ma'a were winning the battles for the hearts and minds of the public in New Zealand.

Kangaroos' new era marred by shock NZ loss

A Joey Manu-inspired New Zealand brought Australia crashing back to earth as the Kangaroos' new era began with a 26-24 upset loss. The Kangaroos had their 13-game winning streak broken on Saturday at Mt Smart Stadium and tasted their first rugby league Test loss under coach Mal Meninga. After the retirement of a golden generation of players
including Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Cameron Smith, the Aussies have shown they are beatable.Manu upstaged his Sydney Roosters teammate, superstar Latrell Mitchell, scoring one try and setting up another in a rampaging performance, while Shaun Johnson was named man of the match.Meninga said he would resist the temptation to ring in changes, saying their 11 errors and completion rate cost them and there wasn't much wrong with the side.

Joseph Manu shines on debut for NZ Kiwis

JOSEPH Manu has continued his stellar NRL form into the international arena, starring for New Zealand on debut in his team’s shock win over Australia. The Sydney Roosters centre was electric for the Kiwis on the right edge, with his last-ditch offload for Jordan Rapana’s try in the 69th minute proving the matchwinner for the home side at Mt Smart Stadium.

To go with his try assist, Manu bagged a four-pointer of his own, with his match-up against Tricolours teammate Latrell Mitchell one of the best positional battles in the game. Man of the match Shaun Johnson was left in awe. “Honestly, I didn’t know how deadly he was,” Johnson said. “If you give him the ball in a half opportunity, he’ll make something of it. “The try he set up for ‘Raps’ in the corner was freakish. He carried Latrell Mitchell over the line. “He’s only so young, he’s so young and it was an awesome experience playing with him tonight.”

The Kiwis win a thriller over the Kangaroos

A JOEY Manu-inspired New Zealand have brought Australia crashing back to earth with a 26-24 upset in their rugby league Test at Mt Smart Stadium. The Kangaroos had their 13-game winning streak broken on Saturday and tasted their first Test loss under coach Mal Meninga. After the retirement of a golden generation of players including Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Cameron Smith, the Aussies are facing a rebuild. Manu upstaged his Sydney Roosters teammate, superstar Latrell Mitchell, scoring one try and setting up another in a rampaging performance, while Shaun Johnson was named man of the match.

The Kiwi forwards, led by Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jesse Bromwich and Martin Taupau, dominated while David Klemmer was the only Aussie forward to make more than 100 metres. The Australians scored two late tries through Felise Kaufusi and James Tedesco for a tense final two minutes however the scoreline belied the Kiwis’ dominance. The result will go a long way to restoring the New Zealand public’s faith in the Kiwis after a slew of poor results and off-field issues. It was the New Zealanders’ first win over Australia since the 2015 Anzac Test. After the Kangaroos took a 12-8 lead into halftime despite the Kiwis controlling possession and territory, the home side hit the front when hooker Brandon Smith burrowed over in the 54th minute.

Holmes declares Mitchell the new Inglis for Kangaroos

WHO needs Greg Inglis when you have Latrell Mitchell? Mitchell’s Australian backline partner Valentine Holmes has paid the Sydney Roosters’ NRL sensation the ultimate compliment, comparing him to the Queensland skipper. Inglis was set to captain the national side for the first time in Tests against New Zealand and Tonga, however was stood down after being charged with drink- driving.

Inglis’ absence compounds the experience drain being felt by Mal Meninga’s side after the representative retirements of Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith. But Holmes said Mitchell shared the same superstar qualities as Inglis, having achieved almost everything in the game this year with a Roosters premiership, a NSW Origin win and his Test debut. “He’s upbeat and I love that about him,” Holmes said. “He’s very confident. That’s why he’s been the best centre in the game, I think. “I’m very happy for him to make his debut at such a young age. I’m sure he’ll do well. Playing outside him, I feel like I’m playing outside Inglis again.”Mitchell and Holmes will form a formidable left-side combination which oozes size, class, speed and power.

Kiwis treat Aussies to trio of fiery hakas

THE three Australian teams in Saturday’s tripleheader against New Zealand at Mt Smart Stadium have been treated to a trio of fierce, spine-tingling hakas.
 
It started with the Junior Kiwis pouring plenty of emotion into their haka, before the Kiwi Ferns took centre stage, then the Kiwi men.

It’s a new era for this classic Test

THE Kangaroos may be favourites for a 14th consecutive victory under Mal Meninga, but the Kiwis have an advantage in experience that could sway the Test in their favour. The clash at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday marks a changing of the guard for Australia, with Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston retiring from rep footy since last year’s World Cup. A look at the Test matches played for both teams reveals the Kiwis have nearly one hundred more games of Test match experience.

New Zealand has a total of 202 Tests among their 19 man squad, while Australia has only 111 Tests of experience. Adam Blair will be the most experienced man on the field if he runs on for his 46th Test match, while the next most is Shaun Johnson with 25. The six most experienced Test players in the two squads are all Kiwis, with Jesse Bromwich and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves both (24), Marty Taupau (21) and Kevin Proctor 17 rounding out the top six.

The Kangaroos haven’t played a game without Cameron Smith since 2009

This will be just the second Test Australia play without Cameron Smith since he made his debut in 2006 and first since the 2009 Four Nations match against France. It will be the first time the Kangaroos face New Zealand without Cameron Smith since the 2006 mid-year Test. At 23 years and 57 days, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak will become the youngest Kiwi captain since Kieran Foran captained the 2013 mid-year Test against Australia, aged 22 years, 280 days.

Boyd Cordner is the first New South Welshman to captain Australia since Danny Buderus did so in the 2005 Tri Nations Finals. Australia has played 58 Test Matches since that time. Adam Blair will play his 46th Test for New Zealand moving into equal second spot for most test caps alongside both Stacey Jones and Gary Freeman and trailing only Ruben Wiki who played 55 Tests. Shaun Johnson requires two goals to equal Matthew Ridge (71 goals) as the all-time leading goal kicker for New Zealand.