Dylan Brown and the New Zealand Kiwis host Isaiya Katoa and Tonga in a blockbuster Pacific Championships clash at Eden Park in Auckland.
The undefeated Kiwis are chasing their second win before a rematch with Samoa in Cup final next week.
Tonga will need a minor miracle to make next weekend’s final were convincingly beaten 34-6 by Samoa last week. To progress, they’ll need to beat NZ by more than 17 points.
Watch every game of the 2025 Pacific Championships LIVE on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
MATCH CENTRE: New Zealand vs Tonga teams, scores, videos, updates
For the Kiwis Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee) and Jeremy Marshall-King (thumb) are out, with Keano Kini coming in onto the wing and Phoenix Crossland starting at hooker.
Seb Kris was originally named on the flank but is a late scratching so Kini will replace him in jersey No. 20.
Warriors utility Te Maire Martin and Broncos forward Xavier Willison have been added to the bench.
Having previously played one Test for Cook Islands in 2022, Willison earns his first cap for New Zealand.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona drops to 18th man after playing just 22 minutes off the bench against Samoa.
For Tonga with skipper Jason Taumalolo (knee) returns after missing the Samoa showdown but centre Rob Toia (foot) and prop Stefano Utoikamanu (concussion) are both out.
Tolu Koula is also out, replaced at centre by Will Penisini.
TEAMS
New Zealand: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Casey McLean 20. Keano Kini 6. Dylan Brown 7. Kieran Foran 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Moses Leota 11. Briton Nikora 12. Isaiah Papalii 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Erin Clark 17. Xavier Willison 18th man: 19. Scot Sorensen.
Tonga: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Daniel Tupou 19. Will Penisini 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Sione Katoa 6. Isaiah Iongi 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Siliva Havili 17. Moeaki Fotuaika 11. Eliesa Katoa 18. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 13. Jason Taumalolo 10. Felise Kaufusi12. Siua Wong 14. Soni Luke 16. Demetric Vaimauga
FOLLOW THE ACTION IN OUR LIVE BLOG BELOW. CAN’T SEE IT? CLICK HERE.
