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New Zealand vs Tonga Tips & Preview - Kiwis to avoid relegation playoff in Pacific Championships

ryan-tucker
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Last updated: 30 Oct 2024
Ryan Tucker 30 Oct 2024
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  • New Zealand Kiwis vs Tonga XIII expert predictions for Saturday’s Pacific Championships game
  • New Zealand aims to avoid relegation with a predicted victory over Tonga
  • Expect a high-scoring game with the Kiwis to cover the -5.5 handicap
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Shaun Johnson
Kiwis backed to cover the line (Getty)

New Zealand Kiwis vs Tonga XIII Predictions


New Zealand and Tonga bid to avoid dropping into a relegation battle next weekend by winning this Pacific Championship. The Kiwis should be too good and cover a -5.5 handicap.
  • New Zealand Kiwis vs Tonga XIII Predictions
  • New Zealand Kiwis Form
  • New Zealand Team News
  • New Zealand Team List
  • Tonga Form
  • Tonga Team News
  • Tonga Team List

  • New Zealand had 16 Offloads in their game last weekend scoring a try off one. 
  • Both teams had over 30 Tackles Inside Opposition 20m in their games against Australia.
  • Daniel Tupou scored 21 tries in the NRL this season and is Tongas leading tryscorer
  • Jamayne Isaako scored 12 tries in the NRL this season and 6 tries in 9 games for NZ

New Zealand Kiwis Form


New Zealand went down to the Kangaroos last weekend 22-10 in their first hitout of the Pacific Championships. With 58% of the Territory and 53% of possession the Kiwis looked dangerous throughout the game especially down Shaun Johnson’s right side. 

The left side defence though was found out in a number of tries that Australia scored with the Aussies having 5 linebreaks to 2 in the game. 

Thirty-seven missed tackles by the Kiwis contributed to the momentum that their opponents were able to create at times during the game which hampered their own chances with the ball.

New Zealand had 38 tackles inside the 20m zone of the Australian team and are almost guaranteed to have noted what can be improved to convert those chances into points in the next game.

New Zealand Team News


Only the one change for the Kiwis with Leo Thompson joining the bench after serving a suspension from NRL finals. Jordan Riki reverts to the reserves.

New Zealand Team List


1. Keano Kini
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Matt Timoko
4. Peta Hiku
5. Will Warbrick
6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
7. Shaun Johnson
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Joe Tapine
11. Isaiah Papali'i
12. Scott Sorensen
13. Naufahu Whyte

Interchange
14. Kodi Nikorima
15. Griffin Neame
16. Marata Niukore
17. Leo Thompson

Reserves
18. Erin Clark
19. Jordan Riki
20. Casey McLean
21. Trent  Toelau


Tonga Form


Tonga were unable to score in their first round matchup against the Kangaroos two weeks ago but did come close on multiple occasions. 

They had 33 tackles inside their opponents 20m zone but lacked the creativity or force to break the Aussie defence. 

They also forced their opponent into 16 errors in the game and conceded only 3 tries despite giving up 1688 run metres and 5 linebreaks in the matchup. 

Tonga will take that defensive momentum into this game against New Zealand hopefully having worked on some set plays that will enable them to put some points on the board this time around.

Tonga Team News


Tonga have made just one change with Keaon Koloamatangi returning home for the birth of his child. Siua Wong joins the interchange for his second career international cap.

Tonga Team List


1. Lehi Hopoate
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Moses Suli
4. Paul Alamoti
5. Sione Katoa
6. Tuimoala Lolohea
7. Isaiya Katoa
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Siliva Havili
10. Felise Kaufusi
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Eli Katoa
13. Jason Taumalolo

Interchange
14. Soni Luke
15. Sitili Tupouniua
16. Taniela Paseka
17. Siua Wong

Reserves
18. Tolutau  Koula
19. Kulikefu  Finefeuiaki
20. Isaiah Iongi
21. Keaon Koloamatangi

Verdict

New Zealand are tipped to win while covering the line. The Total is expected to go over with both teams opening up towards the end of the game to ensure victory.

Best Bet1: New Zealand -5.5 Line @9/10 at 10bet - 2 Units
Best Bet2: Over 43.5 Game Total @11/12 at bet365 - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Jamayne Isaako Anytime Tryscorer @17/20 at Boylesports - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Daniel Tupou Anytime Tryscorer @23/20 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
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