https://www.nzherald.co.nz/league/news/arti...jectid=12146356The stat that stands out in the Kangaroos historic test against Mate Ma'a Tonga
Australia may have won on the scoreboard but, as the old cliche goes, the winner was rugby league.
In front of a bumper crowd of 26,214,
Tonga announced itself as a future powerhouse but it's the fans who drew most of the interest.
After a crowd of 12,763 turned out to see Australia play New Zealand at the same ground last week,
a sea of red Tongan jerseys flooded Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.
From a nation boasting a population of just under 110,000,
it was an incredible turnout at the match,
which included Tongan King George Tupou VI.
A figure representing a quarter of the Tongan population turned up to the match,
and most were wearing Tongan jerseys.
From before the players entered the field of play until after the match and presentations had finished,
the fans at the ground created an incredible atmosphere.
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https://www.nzherald.co.nz/league/news/arti...jectid=1214613320 arrests, large brawl and two in hospital after Tonga-Australia rugby league game
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