A clutch field goal from 20-year-old Isaiya Katoa sealed a stunning 25-24 victory for Tonga over New Zealand in Auckland, propelling them to the Pacific Cup final against Australia.
The dramatic win ousted the defending champions, who now face a relegation battle to stay in the top tier of the competition.
Tonga dominated the early stages, surging to a 24-0 lead within 34 minutes.
Impressive runs from powerhouse forwards Addin Fonua-Blake and Jason Taumalolo set a strong platform, with Fonua-Blake among the four Tongan try-scorers.
Sione Katoa kicked off the scoring with an early corner try before Fonua-Blake powered through to extend the lead.
However, New Zealand mounted a spirited comeback, scoring 24 unanswered points, including a spectacular solo try by Joseph Tapine, who sprinted down the sideline after a regathered offload.
With 12 minutes left, the game was tied, and the Kiwis looked poised to complete a remarkable comeback.
But Katoa remained calm, slotting a decisive field goal with four minutes remaining to regain Tonga’s lead.
New Zealand’s Jamayne Isaako missed a late penalty shot, and two field goal attempts fell short, allowing Tonga to claim victory.
The win, their first over the Kiwis in Auckland, sends Kristian Woolf’s side to the final, while New Zealand will battle either Papua New Guinea or Fiji to avoid relegation.