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Find your Sport Nation frequency'Another level': Jones urges Kiwis to raise the bar in World Cup semi-final
Sport Nation • November 5th, 2026 12:24 pm
Stacey Jones | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones says his side will need to raise the bar as they prepare to face a fierce Tonga outfit in Saturday's Rugby League World Cup semi-final.
New Zealand have continued to build throughout the tournament, but Jones says the challenge now intensifies against a Tongan side that has impressed with its performances in recent weeks.
“The game goes to another level now, and no disrespect to the other teams, but we're playing a really good team.
“Tonga right across the park, are very strong and are going to be a very formidable task for our boys and something that we're going to have to be better at what we've done the last few games.”
The Kiwis | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Tonga's clash with Samoa last week caught the attention of Jones, who praised the quality and intensity of the encounter between the Pacific rivals.
“Unreal. What a game, Tonga and Samoa. It was a great spectacle.”
The Kiwis coach says his side has also shown encouraging signs of improvement throughout the tournament, following an opening performance that fell just short of expectations.
“We've been improving each game and obviously the first game didn't quite go our way and then we did some really good stuff in Christchurch and then I thought last week was a pretty good performance, a strong statement.
“Just happy with where we're at.”
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