Tongan Rugby League Fans Create Unforgettable Atmosphere
The standout moments of Sunday’s Kiwis vs Tonga test match unfolded not just on the field, but primarily in the stands. On that day, I bought a modest $20 ticket to the upper corner seats of Eden Park to watch the Pacific Championship clash. Admittedly, I’m not deeply familiar with international rugby league; it’s not my preferred sport, though I expected passionate fans.
However, I significantly underestimated the intensity of the supporters. For days prior, convoys of trucks adorned with red Tongan flags flooded Auckland and other cities, setting the tone for a fervent crowd. At Eden Park, the official attendance was 38,144—the largest rugby league crowd in New Zealand in a decade.
Although the stadium was not completely sold out, the atmosphere was electrifying. The noise reached deafening levels with constant screams, massive sing-alongs, and a vast sea of waving red flags.
Voices from the Stands
I shared the experience with two veteran sports fans: Andy McDonnell, producer of Weekend Sport on Newstalk ZB, and Lachlan Waugh, a Mediaworks producer. Within five minutes, Andy said:
This is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen in live sport.
Lachlan appeared genuinely worried about the stadium’s ability to withstand the crowd’s intensity, describing the energy as almost seismic.
Summary
The passionate Tongan fans transformed Eden Park, creating one of the most intense and unforgettable atmospheres seen in New Zealand rugby league in years.