Kiwis and Tonga set for Go Media Stadium blockbuster

For the third time in five years the New Zealand Kiwis and Mate Ma’a Tonga will clash in an international blockbuster at Go Media Stadium following confirmation of the schedule for the end-of-season Pacific Championships.

An intense rivalry developed after the Tongans shocked the Kiwis in Hamilton in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Two years later the Kiwis finally had an opportunity to avenge the defeat when they faced Tonga in front of a sea of red at a packed Go Media Stadium on June 22, 2019. The New Zealanders produced an outstanding display to win 34-14.

And they were similarly dominant when the two sides met again at the same venue on June 25, 2022, scoring four tries to win 26-6 in front of more than 21,000 (mostly Tongan) fans.

The third edition has today been confirmed for Saturday, November 2, in what will be the second match of the Kiwis’ defence of their Pacific Cup crown.

They stunned Australia to take the inaugural title with a record 30-0 victory at FMG Stadium in Hamilton last November.  

The Kiwis kick off their campaign when they host the Kangaroos at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday, October 27.

It will be an international doubleheader also featuring a women’s international between the Kiwi Ferns and the Australian Jillaroos.

This will mark the Kiwis’ return to Christchurch for the first time in five years and the Kiwi Ferns’ first South Island Test since 1998.

“It is a very special occasion to partner with Ōtautahi Christchurch and work with Canterbury Rugby League to take the Pacific Championships to our fans in the South Island for the first international fixtures there in five years,” said New Zealand Rugby League CEO Greg Peters.

“We’re excited to work with Tonga to bring their rugby league heroes back to play in front of their proud community in Auckland, with the support of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited making this possible.

“International rugby league in Aotearoa creates celebrations of culture and passion that captures the hearts and minds of all sports fans, the Tests here will be unmissable.”

Both teams head into this year’s international season on a high having convincingly defeated rivals Australia in their final matches last year. The thrilling games saw the Kiwis lift the Pacific Championships’ Pacific Cup in its inaugural year with the Kiwi Ferns ending Australia’s seven-year streak of wins against them.

Tickets go on sale via Ticketek on Wednesday, August 28 at 12pm, with presale for NZRL and MyTicketek members on Tuesday August 27.

The 2024 Pacific Championships is a two-tiered competition, with men’s and women’s teams from across the Pacific competing for the Pacific Cup and the Pacific Bowl.

The championships will include two match days in New Zealand, with the finals to be played in Sydney, Australia on November 10.