Kalyn Ponga wins Golden Boot on stunning two-game NZ debut
Kalyn Ponga won the men's Golden Boot after just two games for New Zealand, one interrupted by a broken forearm.
Kalyn Ponga has claimed the men's Golden Boot award after an exceptional World Cup debut for New Zealand. In his opening game against Australia, Ponga was man-of-the-match contender when he broke his forearm but played on for another 20 minutes.
Ponga missed the next 23 days but recovered in time to play the second match, where he was named man of the match in a 34-10 win over Tonga. Ponga edged out Reece Walsh and three other nominees, with Walsh to face him in Sunday's World Cup final in Brisbane.
Stacey Waaka, a New Zealand rugby union legend, won the women's Golden Boot after scoring nine tries in four matches. Both players received their awards at a ceremony on Thursday at Suncorp Stadium.
- 28
- Ponga's age
- 2
- Matches played
- 23
- Days sidelined after injury
- 9 in 4 matches
- Stacey Waaka's tries
Why it mattersPonga's award shows how a short, high-impact tournament run can define a player's year, even ahead of established stars.
AustraliaThe World Cup finals kick off Sunday in Brisbane with New Zealand and Australia competing for both men's and women's titles.
