New Zealand thrashed Tonga 40-14 in Auckland to secure a place in next weekend’s final.

The New Zealand Kiwis delivered a clinical performance against the Tonga XIII at Auckland, racing to a 24-2 half-time lead and never looking back.

Star recruit Dylan Brown crossed for two tries and set up another with a pinpoint kick for Casey McLean in the first half. Tonga’s only resurgence came via tries from Demitric Vaimauga and and Daniel Tupou in the second half, but the Kiwi momentum was unrelenting through out the game.

Jamayne Isaako converted five of the Kiwis seven tries and kicked a penalty goal, while Tonga converted both tries and landed a penalty goal. New Zealand also saw Erin Clark sin-binned, Tonga had none.

Under coach Stacey Jones, the Kiwis entered the contest knowing they needed a win, or a loss by fewer than 17 points, to qualify for the Cup final in Sydney next weekend against Samoa national rugby league team.

The Kiwis entered the match looking to atone for last year’s narrow 25-24 loss and have now secured their path to a potential final showdown.

Tonga’s campaign has been covered extensively by local media which noted the side was “gearing up” for the challenge ahead. Tonga had come into this clash after a damaging defeat to Toa Samoa, where they were beaten with six tries, four conversions and a penalty.

With the final now secured, New Zealand will focus on maintaining intensity and composure: “We’re coming out with our mindset to win a game of footy,” Jones asserted ahead of the match.

Tonga, meanwhile, will reflect on the defeat and regroup for future matches in what remains an important period for the Pacific Championships and the region’s rugby league development.