Tonga have clinched a historic victory, downing New Zealand 25-24, to book their spot against Australia in the Pacific Championships final.

Tonga burst out of the blocks in Auckland and scored four unanswered tries in the opening 32 minutes to leave the home crowd stunned.

But the Kiwis came back to level the scores at 24-24 thanks to an incredible solo try from veteran prop Joe Tapine in the 69th minute.

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MATCH CENTRE: New Zealand vs Tonga teams, scores, updates

The hosts had all the momentum before 20-year-old Isaiya Katoa slotted a long-range field goal in the 76th minute that proved the difference.

But the drama wasn’t done there, New Zealand fullback Jamayne Isaako had a chance to win it at the death with a 44-metre penalty goal but it sailed wide, while he also missed a late field goal.

Kiwi veteran Shaun Johnson had a field goal charged down and they challenged the call that his legs weren’t taken out, only for the Bunker to agree with the on-field decision.

The victory, which Addin Fonua-Blake later described as “unforgettable”, means Tonga will now contest their first major final when they face Australia in Sydney next Sunday.

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TEAMS

New Zealand: 1. Keano Kini 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Peta Hiku 5. William Warbrick 6. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 7. Shaun Johnson 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Scott Sorensen 17. Leo Thompson 13. Naufahu Whyte 14. Kodi Nikorima 15. Griffin Neame 16. Marata Niukore. 18th man: 18. Erin Clark

Tonga: 1. Lehi Hopoate 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Moses Suli 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Sione Katoa 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Isaiya Katoa 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Siliva Havili 10. Felise Kaufusi 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Soni Luke 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Taniela Paseka 17. Siua Wong. 18th man: 18. Tolutau Koula