New Zealand sweep into Rugby League World Cup final

NEWCASTLE, Australia: New Zealand saw off a gutsy Tonga 34-10 in an absorbing clash on Saturday to power into the Rugby League World Cup final for the first time since 2013.

Briton Nikora, Dane Gagai, Casey McLean, Jahrome Hughes, Xavier Willison and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad all crossed in a bruising battle at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, north of Sydney.

The Kiwis were 10-6 down but went to the break with a narrow 12-10 lead before seizing control in a dominant second half.

It set up a decider on November 15 in Brisbane against either powerhouse defending champions Australia or Samoa, who play in Sydney on Sunday.