Nine people have been arrested after celebrations following Tonga XIII’s thrilling Rugby League World Cup win over Sāmoa spilled into the streets in New Zealand.
Police say 160 staff were deployed across South Auckland on Sunday as thousands of fans celebrated Tonga’s 20-18 win.
Officers reported high-risk behaviour including people running into roads, poor driving and public intoxication.
“It was concerning for police to witness individuals putting themselves and others in harm’s way with high-risk behaviours, including running into roads, poor driving choices and public intoxication,” Counties Manukau district commander Superintendent Shanan Gray said.
“In some areas, excessive noise from loudspeakers and car horns continued into the early hours of the morning.
“This is unacceptable, and it has a significant impact on the wellbeing of local residents and businesses.”
Watch Sāmoan fans in Apia proudly sing their national anthem as the World Cup clash unfolds in Sydney.
Police had already warned fans about their behaviour after hundreds of cars formed convoys in Tauranga on Saturday, blocking intersections and creating loud noise.
“The message from police is clear – celebrations don’t override expectations,” Gray said. “Gatherings and those attending them must be safe, lawful and respectful.”
In Sydney, celebrations also turned violent. Four police officers were injured after fights broke out in the west of the city, according to 9NEWS.
Sāmoan fans gather across New Zealand ahead of the highly anticipated World Cup clash with Tonga. Photo/RNZ/Michelle Tiang
Police were called to Popondetta Road in Emerton at about midnight (NZ time) as a large crowd gathered following Tonga’s win. The road was closed until about 2.30am as officers managed the crowd.
The crowd later returned at about 4am when a number of fights broke out. Four officers suffered minor injuries and used OC spray while trying to break up the brawls.
Two 19-year-old men were arrested and taken to Mount Druitt Police Station. One was charged with affray and hindering or resisting a police officer while the other faces charges of assaulting a police officer causing actual bodily harm and hindering or resisting police.
Tongan community leader Pakilau Manase Lua said the scenes across Aotearoa also showed just how much the match meant to Pacific communities.
Listen to Pakilau Manase Lua’s full interview below.
“I think it’s our Pacific pride, it’s also the knowledge that our teams don’t get to play each other often, but also in tough times, we’re living in really challenging times here in New Zealand, and elsewhere in the world, it’s always great to celebrate something, and man do we celebrate hey, we get the chance,” Pakilau told William Terite on Pacific Mornings.
He said the flags, noise and gatherings were an expression of identity and freedom while acknowledging the impact on others.
“Tongans love to be independent and free and just do their thing but Tongans are also a little bit extra as well. We like to go a little bit overboard so I’m just grateful that no one’s been hurt.”
The match itself was a major moment for both Pacific nations. Tonga held on for a two-point win in front of a huge crowd at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium.
Tongan and Sāmoan pride fills CommBank Stadium for the Pacific showdown. Photo/Photosport/David Neilson
Pakilau believes the rivalry goes far beyond rugby league.
“Oh look, you can’t sugar coat it, the Tonga and Sāmoa rivalry has been centuries long, and it’s family based, you know how you have certain family rivalries, it happens in every culture, this is the same thing, Tonga and Sāmoa are proud nations, and we love playing against each other, and it brings the best out of each other.”
He also believes the tournament has shown how sport can bring Pacific communities together.
“Oh absolutely, we need more of this, I mean you just see how this has united cultures.”
He says much of the pride comes from seeing Pacific players choose to represent their heritage on the world stage.
“That spirit is not lost on the people, and that’s what they’re celebrating is that spirit of giving back, we call it mataki ‘o e fonua, ‘ofa fonua, and when you love and when you’re ready to die for your country, the people will respond.”
Tonga now turn their attention to this weekend’s semi-final against New Zealand while Sāmoa will face Australia.
Pakilau expects another huge contest.
“You’ve got to always respect the Kiwis. The Kiwis have a stacked pack as well, that forward battle is going to be brutal.”
For now, the celebrations have shown the enormous pull of the Tonga-Sāmoa rivalry. But police are reminding fans that Pacific pride and public safety need to go hand in hand.
