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Live sport on SN this weekendKiwis make crunch Ponga call for Tonga semi-final
George Clarke, AAP •  November 6th, 2026 3:38 pm
NZ's Kalyn Ponga is set to make a remarkable return from injury to play in the semi against Tonga | Photo: AP
Kalyn Ponga is set to make a remarkable return for New Zealand's semi-final with Tonga, 23 days after the Newcastle captain suffered a broken arm.
There were fears Ponga's tournament was over after one game when the fullback, making his Test debut in the World Cup opener against Australia on October 15, was substituted off with a forearm fracture.
Ponga hasn't played since but has remained in Kiwis camp.
And after undergoing a strenuous recovery process, the Newcastle fullback will be named on Stacey Jones' teamlist for Saturday's semi-final at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones discusses the return of Kalyn Ponga for their semi-final with Tonga | Video: AAP
Jones confirmed Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland, who hasn't played since being suspended for his tackle on Nathan Cleary in the NRL preliminary final, will also come into his 19-man squad.
"We'll make that decision when the time comes but he'll be in our 19-man squad," Jones said.
"(Crossland) has had a really good week, he'll be part of our six-man bench and he's been part of our squad for three years now.
"It's a big boost and being then from here, from Newcastle, so it's pretty special to come back here and play for the Kiwis at their home ground.
Phoenix Crossland has served his ban for the tackle on Nathan Cleary and comes into NZ's squad | Photo: Robbie Stephenson/AAP
"The main thing for him (Ponga) was making sure he ticks every box and is confident to play."
Ponga started at fullback against the Kangaroos in the tournament opener and will replace Keano Kini if Jones chooses to deploy the Newcastle No. 1 from kick-off.
Jones would not be drawn on whether Ponga, who is expected to wear a protective arm guard against Tonga, would start against Tonga.
"I've never had that type of injury or anything in my career before, but I think a few of the boys Xavier Willison and Jahrome Hughes have," said captain James Fisher-Harris.
The return of Crossland and Ponga means two players originally listed in Jones's 19-man squad will miss out, with the Kiwis coach set to make a decision on Friday evening.
The Kiwis reached the semi-finals four years ago and the narrow loss to Australia in Leeds still burns Fisher-Harris, who is anticipating a strong turnout from Tongan supporters.
New Zealand are bracing for a massive Tongan crowd to spur their team on in the semi-final | Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP
"We're looking forward to the battle and the crowd is always amazing," said the Warriors prop.
"We've spoken a little bit about our history and things and it comes down to moments.
"I thought we played really well in that game and a few moments cost us, we've learned from that."
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