Kalyn Ponga Named on the Kiwis’ Extended Bench for the Tonga Semi-Final, Three Weeks After Breaking His Arm

New Zealand have named Kalyn Ponga on their extended bench for Saturday night’s World Cup semi-final against Tonga in Newcastle, 22 days after he broke his left forearm in the tournament opener, the Guardian and the BBC reported on Tuesday.

Keano Kini keeps the No.1 jersey. Ponga is No.21 on New Zealand’s list, with Phoenix Crossland at No.22, according to Fox Sports.

Back training at fullback

Fox Sports reported that Ponga trained at fullback on Tuesday. The BBC said he trained last week with a black bandage around his left arm.

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He was hurt in the 24-22 loss to Australia on 15 October. He played on for about 20 minutes with the injury, scored twice in the second half and finished with 253 metres. Scans the next day showed a broken radius, and he had surgery, as our report on the injury covers.

Why the bench and not the starting side

The extended bench keeps him in the picture without forcing the decision now. New Zealand can still move him into the matchday side later in the week, the BBC said. The Guardian went further: “Ponga’s inclusion is a firm indication the Newcastle Knights superstar will return for the final should the Kiwis make it.”

At the time of the injury, coach Stacey Jones said he hoped Ponga would be fit for the final, the BBC noted. After the Fiji game he was still cautious: “We’ll see where he’s at next week.”

Kini has earned his spot

Kini scored two tries in the 78-0 win over Fiji while Ponga watched from the stands, Yahoo Sport reported. So Jones has no need to rush Ponga back for the semi-final.

Saturday in Newcastle

The semi-final is at McDonald Jones Stadium at 8.05pm AEDT on Saturday 7 November, on the ground where Ponga captains the Knights. Tonga are unchanged. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad comes onto the wing for the suspended Ronaldo Mulitalo, and Jacob Laban is out of the tournament.

The winner plays Australia or Samoa in the final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday 15 November. Our Kalyn Ponga page has his injury timeline, contract and record in one place, and the World Cup table has the final pool standings.