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Australia have won the Pacific Championships thanks to a gritty 20-14 victory over Tonga in the final on Sunday afternoon.
Tonga scored first to send the crowd into raptures but the Kangaroos hit back with four tries unanswered tries and then held on at the death.
Sione Katoa crossed for Tonga before the hosts responded with tries to Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Xavier Coates and a double from Tom Trbojevic.
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Tom Dearden put on a show in the first half with two try assists, two linebreaks, four tackle busts and over 100 run metres and added another linebreak early in the second half to send Trbojevic over for his second try, with Michael Ennis exclaiming “he is having a blinder”.
Tonga threatened late and eventually scored through Haumole Olakau’atu and Eliesa Katoa to set up a thrilling finish, but the Kangaroos held on.
It was redemption for Australia, who lost to New Zealand in the final last year 30-0.
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MATCH CENTRE: Australia Kangaroos vs Tonga live scores, news, teams
MATCH PREVIEW
Tonga are desperate to knock over the Kangaroos and win the 2024 Pacific Championships in arguably their biggest ever Test match, with Kristian Woolf making one change to his side.
Sea Eagles flyer Tolu Koula, originally named on the extended bench, has joined the backline with Mosese Suli the man to make way.
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Tonga have previously beaten Australia in 2019, coming from behind in a 16-12 upset victory which could give Woolf’s side all the confidence they need.
Only a week ago they beat New Zealand 25-24, clinging on to a 24-0 halftime lead to secure a win off the back of an Isaiya Katoa field goal.
That victory will see the Kiwis take on Papua New Guinea, and if the Kumuls come away with the spoils, New Zealand will be relegated to the Pacific Bowl competition.
Meanwhile, Mal Meninga has been forced to make one change to his side that bested Stacey Jones’ outfit two weeks ago.
Cameron Murray has suffered a wrist injury, with Hudson Young slotting into his backrow spot while Lindsay Smith will make his Test debut.
Meninga’s side will be out to avenge the corresponding fixture last year, when they were beaten 30-0 by Michael Maguire’s Kiwi side.
