Ponga-inspired New Zealand reach World Cup final

Kalyn Ponga returns from a broken arm to inspire New Zealand to victory in a pulsating encounter with Tonga as they reach their first World Cup final since 2013. Kalyn Ponga featured with a protective arm guard for New Zealand Just 23 days after breaking his arm, Kalyn Ponga returned to inspire New Zealand to a 34-10 victory in a pulsating encounter with Tonga as they reached their first World Cup final since 2013. Ponga had been named initially in reserve and then as one of the interchange players in the build-up to this contest – and the expectation was that he would be eased back into action and play a limited role.

Instead, head coach Stacey Jones stunned many with his decision to include Ponga in New Zealand's starting 13 but was repaid in full as the Newcastle Knights talisman starred on home turf at the McDonald Jones Stadium, in New South Wales, Ponga's impact from full-back was almost immediate as he sent Briton Nikora over in the right corner inside four minutes. He was also involved in the Kiwis' second try of the game – as his contest with his opposite number Lehi Hopoate was crucial to Dane Gagai grounding the ball. And while the swirling wind made conditions almost unplayable at times, he repeatedly gathered high kicks