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After the end-of-season Pacific Championships schedule is confirmed, New Zealand and Mat Maa Tonga will face off in an international blockbuster match at Go Media Stadium. This will be the third time in five years that New Zealand and Mat Maa Tonga have met in an international blockbuster event.
The rivalry between the two teams intensified after Tonga defeated New Zealand in Hamilton at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
Two years later, New Zealand finally had a chance to avenge that defeat when they faced Tonga in front of a packed Go Media Stadium on 22 June 2019. New Zealand put in a strong performance, winning 34-14.
When the two sides met again at the same venue on 25 June 2022, they were equally dominant, scoring four tries en route to a 26-6 win in front of more than 21,000 (mostly Tongan) fans.
The third Pacific Cup has been confirmed today for Saturday, November 2, which will be the second game for New Zealand to defend its Pacific Cup title.
They won the inaugural title last November by beating Australia 30-0 at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium.
New Zealand will kick off their campaign against the Kangaroos at Apollo Project Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday 27 October.
It will be an international doubles tournament which will also include a women’s international match between the New Zealand Ferns and the Australian Jillaru.
This will be the first time New Zealand has returned to Christchurch in five years and the first time the New Zealand Ferns have played a South Island Test since 1998.
“It’s a very special opportunity to be able to partner with Christchurch Ōtautahi and join forces with Canterbury Rugby Union to bring the Pacific Championships to fans in the South Island, the first international tournament to be held there in five years,” New Zealand Rugby chief executive Greg Peters said.
“We’re delighted to be working with Tonga to bring their rugby league heroes back to Auckland to play for a community they are so proud of. The support of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited makes this possible.
“International rugby league in New Zealand creates a culture and passion that captures the hearts and minds of all sports fans and a Test match here is not to be missed.”
The two teams got off to a strong start to this year’s international season after overwhelming rivals Australia in last year’s final. In a thrilling match, New Zealand won the Pacific Cup, the Pacific Championship, with the New Zealand Ferns ending Australia’s seven-year winning streak.
Tickets go on sale from 12pm on Wednesday 28 August via Ticketek, with pre-sale available to NZRL and MyTicketek members from Tuesday 27 August.
The 2024 Pacific Championships is a two-level competition where men’s and women’s teams from across the Pacific will compete for the Pacific Cup and Pacific Bowl.
The tournament will feature two matches in New Zealand, with the final to be held on November 10 in Sydney, Australia.
Source: Warriors
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