After the disappointment of a 22-10 defeat to Australia in Christchurch, New Zealand will be looking for a response when they host Tonga in the Pacific Cup on Saturday.
The Kangaroos managed to edge out a real battle in Christchurch last weekend to book their place in the Pacific Cup final in Sydney on the 10th November.
New Zealand will need to put that defeat to their old rivals behind them for now and take on a Tongan side who have already shown they are not in this competition just to make up the numbers.
Making Australia work hard for their 18-0 win in the opening game of this year’s competition, Tonga are certainly not a side to be taken lightly.
. What: New Zealand v Tonga
. Where: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
. When: 17:05 (AEST) Saturday 2nd November, 2024
. How to watch: Channel 9, Foxtel, Kayo
. Odds: New Zealand 1.52, Tonga 2.55
New Zealand and Tonga have met on four previous occasions in Auckland, with the Kiwis coming out on top every time.
Kiwis head coach Stacey Jones has decided to go with the same starting lineup from the team that were edged out by the Kanagaroos last time out, meaning Shaun Johnson continues in the halfbacks despite previously announcing his retirement.
Defeat on Saturday would most likely see Johnson hang up his boots for the last time, while a win would see his brief return to the international stage most likely continue into the final against Australia.
The only change for New Zealand this weekend comes on the bench, with Newcastle Knights star Leo Thompson returning from a suspension, while Jordan Riki makes way.
New Zealand are 1.52 favourites to in on home soil, while the Kiwis are 1.91 with -5.5 in the line market.
Having only won one of their seven previous meetings with New Zealand, Tonga will be eyeing a rare upset against the Kiwis on the North Island this weekend.
Tonga’s only win came at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and it’s felt like an age since the Pacific Islanders last got one over on the Kiwis.
Head coach Kristian Woolf has also decided to maintain a settled side for the trip to Auckland, with just the one change from the squad that lost to the Aussies in Brisbane.
Sydney Roosters youngster Siua Wong has been added to the bench, with Keaon Koloamatangi the unfortunate player who has to make way.
Tonga are the 2.55 underdogs to claim what would be a memorable win in Auckland and book their place in the final to face the Kangaroos.
Looking to the anytime tryscorer market, Tonga’s Daniel Tupou is the shortest price at 2.20 to go over for the visitors, while New Zealand’s William Warbrick is 1.57 in the same market.