Kiwis face Cook Islands with Ponga sidelined by arm break
New Zealand plays Cook Islands on Sunday needing a win to reach the knockout stage after Kalyn Ponga fractured his arm.
New Zealand and Cook Islands both lost their first World Cup matches. They must win Sunday in Christchurch to progress past the group stage.
New Zealand came within minutes of upsetting Australia before star fullback Kalyn Ponga broke his arm late in the 24-22 loss. Stacey Jones now leads the Kiwis without their talismanic player, with Casey McLean, Jamayne Isaako, Ronaldo Mulitalo and replacement fullback Keano Kini stepping up in attack.
The Cook Islands, underdogs from the start, were overwhelmed by Fiji in their opener but have never beaten New Zealand in two previous meetings. With the Kangaroos lying in wait next week, it's hard to imagine a scenario where either team makes it out of Pool A this year.
- 24-22 to Australia
- New Zealand's loss score
- 2
- Ponga's tries in loss
- 0 wins in 2 meetings
- Cook Islands record vs Kiwis
- Christchurch
- Match location
Why it mattersThe loser is eliminated from the tournament and likely misses the rest of the World Cup.
AustraliaAustralian rugby league fans will watch two key Pacific neighbours fight for survival in a tournament being held across the region.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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