Ponga leads Kiwis to final after pre-match stare down lights up World Cup

Casey McLean has spoken to ABC Sport following New Zealand's 34-10 win over Tonga in the Rugby League World Cup semifinal. The centre scored a try, and will now head to Brisbane for the final. The semi against Tonga was tense before the kick-off, with a stare-down between both sets of players following the Sipi Tau and Haka.

Speaking with ABC Sport, McLean said it was a special moment to be part of. "We have such mana boys in our team that are leaders. We've just got to follow them, especially myself. I can learn so much off them, not just about being a player, but [also] my culture. They're front runners for Māori boys and Kiwi boys."

Kalyn Ponga has returned from a broken arm to lead New Zealand to the Rugby League World Cup final after a tense and weather-affected semifinal against Tonga. Ponga, who suffered the broken arm 23 days ago in the tournament's opening match against Australia, had three try assists and a try-saving tackle, to inspire the Kiwis to a 34-10 win. New Zealand will face either Australia or Samoa in next Sunday's final at Lang Park in Brisbane.

The Kiwis have scored with the final play of the game. They threw the footy around, trying to run the clock out. Forward Erin Clark decided to put in a kick for the in-goal, and that kick was PERFECT. Winger Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad charges onto the ball and grounds it. New Zealand 34, Tonga 10.

Xavier Willison, who just came onto the field after passing a HIA, has stormed onto a short pass from Kalyn Ponga and crossed for New Zealand's fifth try. This game is over. New Zealand 28, Tonga 10.

This strong wind you keep reading about is having a massive impact on this match. Essentially, the wind is directly behind the Kiwis, and Tonga is struggling. Halfback Isaiya Katoa tried kicking long down the field for territory, but the ball was held up by the wind, and barely went 20 metres.

The weather has wreaked havoc again. The Kiwis put up another high kick that Tongan fullback Lehi Hopoate cannot get to. Hopoate then drops the ball, and New Zealand have the ball with a great chance to score. And the Kiwis do score. Halfback Jahrome Hughes throws a dummy, then steps inside and through the defensive line to score. In the context of this match, and with rain coming down, this is a big lead. New Zealand 24, Tonga 10.

It started with Tonga making a big break, before a huge shot by Kiwi centre Dane Gagai forced the ball loose. The Kiwis then rolled down the field and were on the doorstep of the Tongan goal-line. Left centre Casey McLean got the ball, then produced a step to beat fellow Penrith Panthers teammate Paul Alamoti to score. With a massive wind running up and down the field, Jamayne Isaako has a kick from the left touchline. Isaako kicks the footy essentially to the centre of the field, and the wind pushes it between the sticks. New Zealand 18, Tonga 10.

New Zealand has secured its place in a seventh consecutive women's Rugby League World Cup final after beating Fetu Samoa 32-0. Having made the decider in all six previous tournaments, flyer Stacey Waaka scored three tries to guide her nation to semifinal triumph.