Tonga expected to be at their best in their first ever RLWC semifinal

Mate Ma'a Tonga expect to be at their best for tonight's Rugby League World Cup semi‑final against England in Auckland.

After toppling the Kiwis in pool play two weeks ago, the Kingdom was made to work hard for a 24‑22 victory over Lebanon in the quarterfinals.

But coach Kristian Woolf doesn't think his players will have any trouble motivating themselves to play in the Kingdom's first ever semifinal.

A sell‑out crowd of 30,000 will be in attendance tonight in what is the biggest rugby league crowd at Mount Smart Stadium since the Auckland Warriors debut season in 1995.

World Cup General Manager of New Zealand Andrea Nelson said the focus on showcasing New Zealand's Pacific communities had paid dividends.

Tonga and England will clash at 6 tonight.

Australia thrashed the Vodafone Fiji Bati 54-6 last night.

Source: Radio NZ