Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium is hosting the first men’s Rugby World Cup semi-final of the year
Watch New Zealand v Tonga in the first Rugby World Cup semi-final of the year.
– Date: Saturday 7.11.2026
– Start time: 9.05 GMT / 20.05 AEDT / 22.05 NZDT / 4.05 ET / 1.05 PT
– Free transfers: 7 Plus (Australia), ThreeNow (New Zealand)
– Other Live Streams: Premier Sports (UK, Ireland, USA), Sky Sports (New Zealand)
– Watch from anywhere: Try NordVPN 100% risk free
Reaching the semi-finals was probably the minimum required of this Kiwi side, but they got here in style, despite a narrow opening day loss to tournament favorites Australia. After wins over Cook Islands and Fiji, they are comfortably the top scorers in the tournament and will be confident of hitting anyone.
They do, however, face one of the toughest defenses in the competition. Indeed, Tonga were arguably the surprise package of this year’s Rugby World Cup, securing wins over both England and Samoa in the pool stages. With two world class sides facing off, this one could really go either way.
Read on to find out everything you need to know to watch Kiwis v Tonga online, on TV and from anywhere – including options to watch for free in New Zealand and Australia. Scroll down to the bottom of the article for team lineups.
How to watch Kiwis v Tonga for FREE
The game is available for free in New Zealand, where ThreeNow shows every Kiwi match. You can also watch the match on the subscription service Sky Sports NZ.
And – as has been the case with every game at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup – fans below can watch live coverage of New Zealand v Tonga for free on Seven and its 7plus streaming service. You only need to provide your email address to create a free account.
If you’re a resident of Australia or New Zealand and traveling abroad this weekend, a VPN can help you tune in to this crucial Rugby World Cup game wherever you are. More information on this below…
Live stream New Zealand – Tonga from anywhere
Far from home? Don’t be afraid. A VPN bypasses geoblocking by changing your IP address, allowing you to stream matches as if you were sitting in your front room. Technological experts in TechRadar and Tom’s guide rate NordVPN as number one in the world, thanks to its low price and unsurpassed ability to unblock streaming services.
Other places to watch New Zealand v Tonga
- United Kingdom: You’ll want to head over Premier Sports watch Kiwis v Tonga live stream in UK. You can watch the action online or on TV via Sky Q, Prime Video, STV Player or Virgin Media. Costs are £18.99 per month on an ongoing basis, £13.99 per month on a one-year contract, or £150 per year (which is £12.50 per month) if you pay up front.
- Ireland: Premier Sports is also the place to watch New Zealand v Tonga in Ireland. If you already have Sky Sports, you can add the service to your subscription as part of the Sports Extra package. It will cost you €10 per month for the first six months, before rising to €25 per month for the next six months.
- United States of America: Kiwis v Tonga live streaming is available on Premier Sports in the USA. The RLWC26 Pass is discounted to $20 for the remainder of the tournament.
- New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ shows every single match of the 2026 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Subscriptions will set you back $59.99 per month or $549.99 per year, though day passes are available for $29.99 if you just want to tune in to certain games.
- Rest of the world: Premier Sports has rights to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in over 120 countries around the world so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to watch live coverage of this semi-final there. Prices, of course, vary by region.
Kangaroos v Cook Islands line-ups and officials
New Zealand
1. Chinese style
2. Jamayne Isaac
3. Gagai data
4. Casey McLean
5. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
6. Is Nicorim
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. James Fisher-Harris (captain)
9. Jeremy Marshall-King
10. Moses Leota
11. Isaiah Papali’i
12. British Nikora
13. Joseph Tapine
Exchange:
14. Te Maire Martin
15. Naufahu Whyte
16. Erin Clark
17. Xavier Willison
18. Scott Sorensen
19. Leo Thompson
Tonga
1. Lehi Hopoate
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Tolutau Koula
4. Robert Drag
5. Jojo Fifita
6. Tuimoala Lolohe
7. Isaiah All
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Salesi Focetti
10. Jason Taumalolo (captain)
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
12. Siu Wong
13. Tyson Frizell
Exchange:
14. Sonny Luke
15. Stefano Utoikamanu
16. Demitric Vaimauga
17. Daniel Passover
18. Christmas letter
19. Drinking water
Officials
Judge: Grant Atkins
Touch Judges: Daniel Luttringer, Matt Noyen
Senior Audit Officer: Wyatt Raymond
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