New Zealand won the World Cup in 2008 and has appeared in the final in each of the last three tournaments, while Tonga has reached the quarter-finals at the World Cup for the first time. New Zealand led 16-2 at halftime but the Tongans replied with five tries after the break and then held off a late comeback by the Kiwis. HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND—David Fusitu’a scored a second-half hat trick as Tonga produced one of the biggest upsets in Rugby League World Cup history by rallying from a 14-point halftime deficit to beat New Zealand 28-22 on Saturday and secure top spot in Group B. “We let ourselves down in the discipline areas, that we’re normally really good at, or have been in this tournament,” New Zealand captain Adam Blair said. “This is a blessing in disguise for us,” New Zealand coach John Kidwell said.

Source: thestar November 11, 2017 23:37 UTC