2017 RLWC - B - W3 - NZL 22-28 TON @ Hamilton

[KeepingTheFaith]

As a fan Fiji don't concern me. They're nowhere near Tonga's level.

However if the Kiwis have that same attitude or show a lack of intensity like in the second half then who knows. Fiji can score points.

 

[ANTiLAG]

I'd happily see JT in a black jumper next year if he plays his best.

I don't want to see Kidwell coaching tho.

 

[Danish]

I for one will be sweet with those blokes never stepping foot inside a Kiwis camp. Truthfully I don't care that they went with Tonga, but the gutless last second text message approach isn't acceptable.

Not the best, sure.

But when you consider how much they all gave up do do it in terms of cash, clearly their heart is in the right place playing where they are so it’s still the right outcome even if the execution was lacking

 

[Shorty]

Wow!
We have some damn good match ups coming up.
Fiji and Tonga look lethal af.

So proud of Lolo (don't give a crap about how he let the Kiwis know, Kidwell was wanker to him anyhow).
I actually would prefer Aus got beat by NZ and for the final to be rematch.

 

[Raiderdave]

NZ lost their way midway through the 2nd half, and Tonga threw caution to the wind and looked much better for it.

Tongan forwards were great all game, as you'd expect, but Tongan backs and halves were much better 2nd half.

NZ weren't bad, the game was close, and NZ were better for much of it, but really paid for a few poor plays and a bad 10 minutes. Tonga would beat most teams on that effort, and showing that willingness to throw it around, if the passes stick. Assuming we get a Tonga v England semi, that could be a cracker as well.

lost their way ?
they led 16 to 2

a good side doesn't lose from there

 

[veggiepatch1959]

Reckon that should have been a sin bin.

Ruckin dat shed hive bin a sen ben....

 

[butchmcdick]

As a fan Fiji don't concern me. They're nowhere near Tonga's level.

However if the Kiwis have that same attitude or show a lack of intensity like in the second half then who knows. Fiji can score points.

Kidwell got dis

 

[Rory]

well the RLIF didnt want an Australian v NZ, England v Tonga semi, but were gonna get it. As much as i dislike pacific teams winning everything, this is a day to celebrate. Well done Tonga, truly deserved! No more tier 2 bull crap! More players will now change in the future.

 

[Iafeta]

Got reports of this? Cos I havn't seen anything like this. And has JT confirmed talking to selectors during finals?

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/...ers-snub-disappointed-kiwis-to-play-for-tonga

Here's one

 

[Life's Good]

Still early days for Tigers fans but Loloheia looked composed in that game. No doubt Tonga’s forwards just ripped in but he help guide them around.
Good signs if he carries that forward.

 

[Ari Gold]

We

RL is a drug, just as you are getting bored, it drags you back in with something like that. What a game.

Welcome back mate... seems it has been a while?

 

[KeepingTheFaith]

Kidwell got dis

Lol maybe that's why I'm not fussed.

Did say end of last year that if Kidwell was coach we were f**ked and that was with Taumalolo, Proctor, Harris and Bromwich in the side so I shouldn't be surprised.

 

[Iafeta]

Not the best, sure.

But when you consider how much they all gave up do do it in terms of cash, clearly their heart is in the right place playing where they are so it’s still the right outcome even if the execution was lacking

No doubt. I fully agree with you on forgoing financial rewards. From that respect it is brave. But man up and talk to the coach firstly, and secondly don't leave it until the team is being named to announce it.

This isn't just a Taumalolo thing either. There were a number of them.

 

[KeepingTheFaith]

Still early days for Tigers fans but Loloheia looked composed in that game. No doubt Tonga’s forwards just ripped in but he help guide them around.
Good signs if he carries that forward.

Lolohea was erratic as ever. Hingano was the one steering them around the field.

 

[Iafeta]

I'd happily see JT in a black jumper next year if he plays his best.

I don't want to see Kidwell coaching tho.

And I agree on Kidwell. The proof is in the eating of the pudding as far as Kidwell goes. Unless he finds a miracle against Australia his position is untenable.

 

[ANTiLAG]

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/...ers-snub-disappointed-kiwis-to-play-for-tonga

Here's one

I'm not going to put my boot into Nikau nor Taumololo based on this article's contents, but I am prepared to say I don't think Kidwell is the right man for Kiwi's coach.

 

[Iafeta]

I will on Taumalolo. As far as the Kiwis go, for me personally he's done. So are the other defectors. But that's my opinion and I appreciate others have a different opinion.

Kidwell, no question. He's not up to it.

 

[Life's Good]

Lolohea was erratic as ever. Hingano was the one steering them around the field.

I thought he wasn’t anywhere near that bad.
You are right though Hingano was good. Is he signed long term with you guys??

 

[Ari Gold]

Cleaning up the mess in my lounge room as we speak

 

[t-ba]

The cup and the game in general needed this.

Now if only we could build on this shit.