The Kiwis and Tonga have played out a Pacific Championships thriller in Auckland..

New Zealand have missed out on the final after the visitors prevailed 25-24 thanks to a 75th minute field-goal from young halfback Isaiya Katoa - on Sky Sport.

But the win was only secured after the home side stormed back from 24-nil down late in the first half - to level the match at 24-all with more than 10 minutes still remaining.

Having conceded four unanswered tries in the opening 32 minutes - the Kiwis ran in four straight themselves and looked favourites to snatch victory.

But - with time ticking down - Katoa was the hero for Tonga - nailing a 30-metre field- goal to send them through to next weekend's title-decider against Australia.

The result marks the first time Tonga have qualified for a tier-one final.

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