Katoa injury drama overshadows Kiwis’ Pacific Championships win
He was later transported off the field with a doctor, who apparently fell ill while sitting on the sidelines.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf confirmed the offensive weapon had been taken to hospital but defended how his team handled the situation.
“Obviously he wasn’t very good on the bench but I don’t know all the details,” Woolf said.
“The doctors went with him [to hospital]But he wasn’t very good on the sidelines.
“But I was told that he was sensitive and his condition was improving before he went to hospital… We have two very experienced doctors there.
“They did their usual HIA and he passed all of that and passed with flying colors.
“It’s not my job to question the doctors. They were both comfortable with it, happy to have him back on the field.”
There were lots of Tongan supporters in the crowd.Credit: Getty Images
“So I don’t think there’s anything to worry about in this process.”
Woolf said Katoa had two HIAs during the match but added: “There were no HIAs in the warm-up, no.”
The incident occurred a week after controversy over Frank Molo’s high shot that left Tongan Stefano Utoikomanu concussed, but resulted in just a $390 fine and no blame for the Samoa forward.
New Zealand, running on fresh legs after a week’s break, struck first in the 18th minute when full-back Keano Kini started and finished a long-distance try.
New Zealand’s pre-match haka.Credit: Getty Images
Dylan Brown, who was on his way to Newcastle, crossed the ball to score and five minutes later slotted in a spot-kick for center Casey McLean.
The Penrith rookie has now scored seven tries in just three Tests.
Kiwis center Matt Timoko made the score 24-0 in the 37th minute and the cricket score appeared on the cards.
New Zealand then lost Erin Clark to the sin bin at half-time, allowing Tonga to put two points on the board through Isaiya Katoa.
Keano Kini continues his winning streak for New Zealand.Credit: Getty Images
New Zealand winger Jamayne Isaako regained the 24-point lead with a penalty goal early in the second half.
Tonga finally opened up on the Kiwis in the 49th minute when substitute striker Demitric Vaimauga fell from point-blank range.
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But Tonga then allowed the kick-off to be called off, providing New Zealand with another attacking opportunity, which they duly converted into a Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad try.
Brown’s second try in the 66th minute was a good sign for the Knights, who were awaiting his arrival to begin a 10-year contract.
Future Newcastle team-mate Phoenix Crossland would join the scoring procession after a clever pass from Te Maire Martin.
As is often the case when these two countries clash, the Eden Park crowd of 38,914 was dominated by Tongan fans.
Veteran winger Daniel Tupou gave them reason to cheer with his consolation effort in the 76th minute.
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones praised her forwards for making a strong start to the win.
“These kids played really well from the start,” Jones said.
“That’s where we want to get it right – the beginning.”
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