Stacey Jones, the new coach of the Kiwis, expressed pride in his team’s performance against the Kangaroos, despite the 22-10 defeat in Christchurch. He emphasized, however, that their efforts will be meaningless unless they secure a victory against Tonga in their next match. The recent loss means that the upcoming Test will act as a decisive playoff for the Kiwis, as they seek to face Australia in the Pacific Cup final scheduled for November 10 at CommBank Stadium.
Ivan Mal Meninga’s Australian team has already advanced to the final, leaving New Zealand needing a win to stay in contention. With Tonga having lost to Australia previously, the Kiwis must engage in a challenging match against Tonga. The outcome will also have implications for relegation, as the loser will risk facing a playoff against the winner of the Pacific Bowl for next year’s tournament.
Jones noted that while there were commendable individual performances, the team struggled with missed tackles and cohesion in their attack. He highlighted that some players were returning from not having played for several weeks, which impacted their overall performance. Despite the loss, he remains optimistic that the Kiwis can improve and rise to the occasion.
Historically, New Zealand teams have demonstrated resilience and the ability to grow throughout tournaments, pointing to last year’s remarkable turnaround that saw them make a strong recovery after an initial defeat to Australia. Jones is determined to ensure the Kiwis are ready for the upcoming clash against Tonga, acknowledging their formidable strengths but also expressing confidence in his players’ potential to perform better.
In other tournament developments, the Kumuls can secure a chance for promotion in the Pacific Bowl if they beat the Cook Islands. Meanwhile, in the women’s tournament, Australia has already qualified for the final and will face the winner of the Orchids-Kiwi Ferns match.
This competition not only excites fans but also represents a chance for underdog teams to make their mark on the international stage. As the matches approach, anticipation is sure to build for both the men’s and women’s competitions, showcasing a spirit of competition that may lead to unexpected outcomes.
Overall, while the Kiwis need to turn their performance around against Tonga, there is a sense of hope that they can build on their previous resilience and achieve their goal of reaching the final.
Leave a comment