Robert Toia Ruled Out of Tonga’s Semi-Final Against the Kiwis, With Paul Alamoti to Start at Centre
Tonga centre Robert Toia will miss Saturday night’s World Cup semi-final against New Zealand with a minor leg injury. Paul Alamoti comes into the starting side, NRL.com and Tonga Rugby League confirmed on Friday.
Coach Kristian Woolf had named the same 19 that beat Samoa 20-18 last weekend, so losing Toia on the eve of the game is a blow.
“Sadly Rob To’ia has been ruled out of tomorrow’s semi final clash against New Zealand with a minor leg injury,” Tonga Rugby League posted on Facebook. “Paul Alamoti comes into the side.”
Tonga’s changes
Alamoti starts at centre alongside Tolutau Koula, and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki comes into the squad as the reserve. The halves stay the same: Isaiya Katoa played the full 80 minutes against Samoa in his return from an ankle injury and partners Tuimoala Lolohea again.
The pack is unchanged, with Addin Fonua-Blake and Jason Taumalolo at prop and Tyson Frizell at lock. Lehi Hopoate is at fullback.
The Kiwis bring back Ponga
New Zealand have changes of their own. Kalyn Ponga is on the bench in jersey 21, three weeks after breaking his arm in the opening game against Australia, with Keano Kini staying at fullback. Leo Thompson drops out to make room.
Winger Ronaldo Mulitalo is serving a one-game ban, so Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad starts in his place. Phoenix Crossland, back from his four-game suspension, is the reserve. Our post on Ponga’s selection has more on how Stacey Jones built the bench.
The rest of the Kiwis side is settled. Jahrome Hughes and Kodi Nikorima are in the halves, Dane Gagai and Casey McLean are the centres, and James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota start at prop with Joseph Tapine at lock.
Tonga’s last World Cup win over the Kiwis
The two sides last met at a World Cup in 2017 in Hamilton, where a David Fusitu’a hat-trick gave Tonga a 28-22 win. Tonga have already beaten England at this tournament, as well as Samoa.
The winner plays Australia or Samoa in the final. The Kangaroos meet Samoa at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
Kiwis v Tonga kick-off time
New Zealand v Tonga kicks off at 8.05pm AEDT on Saturday 7 November at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle. That is 10.05pm in New Zealand and 9.05am on Saturday in the UK. Grant Atkins is the referee. The World Cup table has every result so far.
