“They have a big team, they are physical and have a big pack. We have to be ready this weekend; we’ll be up for it” – Moses Leota.
With pool play now wrapped up for this year’s Rugby League World Cup, the focus now shifts into the semi finals this weekend.
The Kiwis kick off the men’s semis on Saturday night against Tonga, who are coming off a hard fought victory over Samoa in what has been dubbed the match of the tournament so far.
Both the Kiwis and Tonga have shown their dominance throughout this year’s tournament, especially in their forward packs, with both squads featuring some of the professional game’s top forwards.
Heading into their clash this weekend, Kiwis prop Moses Leota says they are aware of the power up front for Tonga and are ready to combat it accordingly.
“They have a big team, they are physical and have a big pack. We have to be ready this weekend; we’ll be up for it,” Leota says.
“I’ve played against Tonga and in front of their red sea that come out to support them and be vocal. It excites me and pumps me up as well.”
Leota, who is of Samoan descent, also acknowledged last week’s matchup between Samoa and Tonga, especially for what they brought to the tournament through their culture, rivalry and fanfare.
“It was a good game against Samoa and Tonga, a good game to watch seeing all the fans come out in numbers. But it’s also seeing our Kiwis fans also come through,” Leota says.
“I was pumped watching the sipi tau and siva tau also because of my heritage. It gave me goosebumps, it was a good game to watch.”
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones has named his side for Tonga, with Kalyn Ponga and Phoenix Crossland both named in the reserves.
Ponga makes his way back into the playing group after injuring himself in their opener against Australia. Crossland comes into the side as replacement for injured second rower Jacob Laban.
In a forced change to the starting lineup, utility Charnze Nicoll Klokstad makes his way to the left wing to replace the suspended Ronaldo Mulitalo.
Over at the Tonga camp, head coach Kristian Woolf is ready to face the Kiwis side, and is taking in all the momentum and confidence following their win over Samoa.
Speaking at the post match conference, Woolf says his side is improving game by game and believes that they are a strong side once on their best form.
“This group can do anything. We left four tries out there and two in the second half,” he says.
“We’ve got plenty of improvement left in us and if we keep improving and keep heading down the right track they can do anything.”
Looking at the Kiwis, Woolf understands the task at hand and says the key to being victorious is winning the small battles ahead of their semi-final clash.
“It’s going to be a tough game. They have been the most dominant team in the tournament so far,” he says.
“It’s a good rivalry for us, it’s a game we are really looking forward to.”
For their semifinal with the Kiwis, Tonga have named the same side which beat Toa Samoa last weekend.
