Tonga is gearing up to face Australia in the Pacific Championships final after delivering a historic performance that shocked New Zealand.
Tongan forward Addin Fonua-Blake led with a dominant display in last Saturday’s win against the Kiwis, finishing with 208 meters, seven tackle busts, and a try, earning praise from analysts for one of the finest front-row performances in recent memory.
“Our fans are the best in the world,” Fonua-Blake said after the game. “Representing my family and country means everything.”
Coach Kristian Woolf commended his team’s physicality and resilience, noting a growing belief among players that they can secure Tonga’s first major title, as reported by Foxsports.
“We knew we had a good performance against Australia and took a lot of confidence from that,” Woolf said, referring to their close match with the Kangaroos last month.
Tonga’s previous upset over Australia in 2019 adds extra tension as the islanders prepare for a rematch, hoping to make history on the international stage.