Fans attending Saturday night's Tonga vs England Rugby League World Cup semi-final say the crowd's atmosphere was the best they'd ever seen.
The teams played to a sold-out Mt Smart Stadium (30,000 capacity) - the biggest crowd at the venue since the Warriors' 1995 season.
The majority of attendees were there to support Mate Ma'a Tonga, with one fan noting they could almost count the number of England supporters in the stand on their hands.
The tense match ended in favour of England with a contentious full-time score of 20-18 after the referee ruled Andrew Fifita knocked the ball on before scoring a disallowed try.
Many fans questioned the referee's decision, with some saying it was a clear try.
In spite of the final outcome, fans were ecstatic with the turnout, with one fan calling it "genuinely the most awesome crowd [he had] ever seen in NZ".
Another supporter said the game had the "best atmosphere ever" amidst the raucous cheering and singing.
One fan even went as far to call the game "the ideal advert for international rugby league".
Police say the atmosphere fans created at the semi-final made it a match to remember.
Insp Peter Gibson said it was great to see the passion of the Tongan fans who never lost hope in their team - even when they were down 20-0.
"This match was really enjoyable to police. The crowd were very vocal and their singing and cheering created real excitement for both teams to enjoy. It was a pulsating match and an intense atmosphere.
"After the game, the Tongan fans were still smiling and shaking hands with the English fans, which was really pleasing to see."
Mr Gibson said police made no arrests at the match.
Insp Wendy Spiller said a significant number of additional staff were deployed around south Auckland after the game, where thousands of supporters took to the streets to celebrate.
Police made 21 arrests throughout the evening following disorder-related offences, including smashing the window of a police patrol vehicle in Penrose.
"It's been great to see the passion from Tongan supporters during the tournament and we are pleased that the majority of supporters behaved appropriately," Insp Spiller said.
In previous weeks, there have been dozens arrested as fans' partying got out of control.
Newshub.
