The 26,214 crowd prayed for a Tonga comeback, and it almost worked.
In the end the Kangaroos proved why they are the world champions by overcoming a second half fightback to prevail 34‑16 in their historic Rugby League Test match.
The Mate Ma’a were behind by 20 and had forced the Kangaroos into a fourth straight line dropout when the crowd broke into hymns and their prayers were answered when Solomone Kata crossed, instantly reviving memories of their near upset of England in their World Cup semi‑final last year.
However, that was as close as the rising powerhouse got as James Tedesco restored the Kangaroos’ lead in the 64th minute and effectively sealed victory.
It was the contest Tonga players, led by former Kangaroos star Andrew Fifita, had been calling for since falling two points short of a fairytale World Cup final on the same ground last year.
The fans turned out in their droves, with thousands lining up hours before kick‑off to produce a sea of red and create a memorable atmosphere in Auckland.
[Source:Fox Sports]
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