Stacey Jones, the new coach for the Kiwis, expressed pride in his players’ performance against the Kangaroos, despite their 22-10 loss to Australia in Christchurch. He emphasized that their effort would only matter if they secure a victory against Tonga next week. Australia’s win ensured them a spot in the Pacific Cup final at CommBank Stadium on November 10, leaving the Kiwis and Tonga to compete for the other final berth.
Last week, Tonga faced a setback with an 18-0 defeat to Australia, making the upcoming Test against New Zealand crucial. The match has significant implications, as the losing team will then have to contend in a promotion-relegation match against teams from the Pacific Bowl for next year’s tournament.
In his first outing as the New Zealand coach, Jones acknowledged the areas that needed improvement, including missed tackles and the need for a more fluid attack. He was hopeful that the Kiwis would benefit from their recent match, noting that key players, like Shaun Johnson and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, were returning from a lengthy absence. Jones highlighted New Zealand’s historical ability to improve throughout tournaments, referencing their stunning turnaround last year after an initial loss to Australia.
As New Zealand prepares for Tonga, Jones emphasized the necessity to elevate their game against a formidable opponent. He remained optimistic about playing in front of a passionate Auckland crowd.
In the wider context, the Kumuls have the opportunity to secure a promotion shot by defeating the Cook Islands next Sunday. Meanwhile, Fiji bounced back from a loss to Papua New Guinea with a resounding victory over the Cook Islands, keeping their hopes alive for the Pacific Championships.
In the women’s tournament, Australia has secured their spot in the Pacific Cup final, with the outcome of the Orchids-Kiwi Ferns match next Sunday determining their opponent. The stakes are high, as the loser of that match will have to face the winner of the Samoa-Fiji match in a play-off to retain their position for next year’s tournament.
As the finals approach, the excitement builds for both men’s and women’s divisions, showcasing the intense competition in the Pacific Cup, while also offering teams a chance to solidify their standings in international rugby league.
The Kiwis are determined to build on their performance and rise to the challenge, showing that with hard work and dedication, they can aspire to thrive in the tournament. This spirit could lead to a thrilling series of matches ahead, as teams vie for glory in the Pacific Cup.
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