Kiwi fans embrace Tonga ahead of semifinal showdown

Tonga have become New Zealand’s team now that the Kiwis are out of the Rugby League World Cup.

The competition darlings face England in the semifinals at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on Saturday night, where it is anticipated they will have overwhelming support as they attempt to win through to the World Cup final for the first time.

Disappointed Kiwi fans will at least be able to cheer on familiar faces with 10 of their squad members having also represented the New Zealand side. “I think we are getting some fans,” back-rower Sio Siua Taukeiaho said yesterday of the strong support in Auckland.

“I think they have got two teams now. Them supporting us is good. Having more supporters will be good and hopefully they can turn up on Saturday and support us.”

Tonga have been the story of the World Cup so far. The last-minute defections of Jason Taumalolo, Andrew Fifita, David Fusitua, Manu Mau’u and Taukeiaho from tier one countries dominated the lead-up to the event. Their huge local support and win over New Zealand in pool play stood out as major talking points and now they are attempting to qualify for their first final.

“It will be a big occasion for us if we make the final,” Taukeiaho said. “If we do make it to the final I will be lost for words.”

The Tongans got a scare in the quarter-finals before just holding off Lebanon to advance and Taukeiaho thinks that has helped sharpen their work at training this week.

“Last week was a tough game for us,” the Roosters forward said. “I think we took Lebanon a bit too lightly.”

A crowd approaching the capacity of 30,000 is expected and Taukeiaho believes the huge Tongan turnout will spur his side.

“Singing their songs while we were playing gave us goosebumps and that is probably one of the reasons a few of the boys left other countries to come and play for Tonga.

“I think a few of the boys, when they were called up to play for the Kiwis, their parents were happy but when they chose to play for Tonga there were tears and joy choosing to play for a real small nation, not much money but I think the pride and love that [made us] pull on that red and white jersey.”

Meanwhile, Viliame Kikau has missed Fiji’s training session yesterday after being held up by visa issues trying to leave New Zealand after Fiji’s win over the Kiwis on Saturday.

It is understood he travelled to Wellington on an expired visa and was pulled up by authorities as the team left for Brisbane for their semifinal against Australia.

RLWC officials have worked feverishly for him to gain another visa, and he was expected to rejoin the team today.