OPINION: The Kiwis avenged their 2017 World Cup defeat by beating Tonga 34-14 at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland on Saturday night.
The Kiwis outscored Tonga six tries to three in an attempt to bury the demons of 18 months ago in a clinical display in front of 23,624 fans - who were mostly Tongan supporters.
- Shaun Johnson pleased to restore pride in New Zealand jersey
- Shaun Johnson double propels New Zealand to victory
- Benji Marshall's emotions on full display during New Zealand anthem and haka
There were several standouts for both teams, but some struggled to rise to the occasion.
Here's how the players rated from both teams in the clash.
Kiwis
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - 7
Despite making a couple of errors early in the contest, the fullback did great to keep himself busy, by making big plays on both attack and defence.
2. Ken Maumalo - 7
A typical Maumalo performance filled with strong carries, leading the Kiwis in run metres with 139.
3. Esan Masters - 5
Other than kicking five from six off the tee, Masters was kept quiet with very few chances in the contest.
4. Joseph Manu - 6
Scored a try, made two big runs, but made a couple of errors and missed more than a few tackles. But the positives of his game outweigh the negatives
5. Dallin Watene-Zeleziank - 5
Struggled to make a real impact on the wing. His opposite, Daniel Tupou, outplayed him.
6. Shaun Johnson - 9
The five-eighth was terrific in his first game back at Mt Smart, and he didn't put a foot wrongs. Scored two tries and was given a third try before it was eventually awarded to Tuivasa-Sheck. Johnson was arguably the best out on the field.
7. Benji Marshall - 7
It was wonderful to see the former skipper back in black, and it was emotional watching him tear up during the New Zealand anthem. Allowed Johnson to play his game, and made some big tackles.
8. Jesse Bromwich - 6
Put his brother Kenneth into a great gap in the first half. Tackled well and held his own against the Tongan pack.
9. Brandon Smith - 9
The kid from Waiheke islands loves playing in the black jersey and in Auckland. He's never lost at Mt Smart. He didn't play the full 80, but he was involved in everything when he was.
10. Jared Waerea-Hargraves - 5
After making an early error from a wayward offload, the Kiwis enforcer bounced back with a steady performance.
11. Kenneth Bromwich - 8
Great to see him get a start after often getting a utility role off the bench. Nearly scored early in the game, ran some excellent lines. Made more than 40 tackles.
12. Briton Nikora - 7
Great in his debut playing alongside his Sharks teammate in Johnson. Ran over 100m.
13. Isaac Liu - 7
Another steady game in the black jersey. Strong on both sides of the ball.
Interchange
14. Jahrome Hughes - 6
Finally made his debut and ended up scoring a try from a sneaky dummy-half run.
15. Leeson Ah Mau - 5
Carried the ball well off the bench.
16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona - 7
A strong cameo, which included 129 run metres and 26 tackles.
17. James Fisher-Harris - 5
Very quiet with just 18 minutes on the field.
Tonga
Will Hopoate - 4
Made a few errors at the back, one of which, led to a crucial try just before halftime. But he did make some great runs with the ball in hand.
Daniel Tupou - 6
Similar performance to Hopoate. Was excellent in the air, and was rewarded with a late try after pouncing on the loose ball.
Kotoni Staggs - 5
Wasn't involved in much in his debut test. Has a bright future in the red jersey.
4. Solomone Kata - 6
Scored Tonga's first try and was his usual self out on the field.
2. David Fusitu'a - 6
Ran for over 100m in the contest. Nearly went over for a try in the first half, but was pushed into touch.
6. John Asiata - 3
Feel sorry for Asiata, as he was playing out of position and was caught out on defence on numerous occasions. Missed six tackles, and most of them led to Kiwis tries.
7. Tuimoala Lolohea - 6
Put in some great attacking kicks, forcing three dropouts and claiming an assist for Tupou's try. Would have been great to see him attack the line though, with his pace and footwork which could have helped spark the team.
15. Addin Fonua-Blake - 7
Played his game with some big carries and made 65 post contact metres. Was always looking for an offload to try to spark something on attack.
9. Siliva Havili - 5
Steady performance. Not outstanding, but not bad, either.
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho - 8
Was the best Tongan out on the field, finishing with a game-high 186 run metres and scoring a try.
11. Tevita Pangai Jr - 5
Ran the ball well and threw plenty of offloads, but some poor defence overshadowed his attack with eight missed tackles.
12. Manu Ma'u - 5
Only played in the first half after sustaining a neck injury, but was great during his time on the field. Tonga probably missed his experience in the second half.
13. Jason Taumalolo - 8
The Kiwis did a great job trying to shut down the enforcer, but he still managed more than 110 run metres, and he claimed a try assist by setting up Taukeiaho.
Interchange
14. Manase Fainu - 6
Finished the game in the halves in place of Asitata and provided some spark off the bench.
16. Peni Terepo - 5
Wasn't on the field for long, but made some decent runs with the ball.
17. Sitili Tupouniua - 7
Eight months ago Tupouniua stood in the Mt Smart Stadium to watch Tonga face Australia and this time he was out on the field for the island nation. Played the entire second half and impressed in his debut.
19. Junior Tatola - 5
Same as Terepo.
Ben Francis is a Newshub online sports producer.
