New Zealand will be represented in both Rugby League World Cup finals after a sweeping Saturday for the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns.

In the men's semi-final, New Zealand came from behind to beat a spirited Tonga 34-10, reaching their first World Cup final since 2013. The catalyst was Kalyn Ponga, back from a broken arm and inspirational in a contest that had been billed as one of the tournament's most intriguing matchups — and delivered a pulsating first half before the Kiwis pulled clear. They'll face the winner of Australia and Samoa for the title.

The women's side made it a double. The Kiwi Ferns dismantled Fetu Samoa 32-0 in Newcastle, running in seven tries, three of them from centre Stacey Waaka. The shutout sends New Zealand's women into next Sunday's final hoping it's fourth time lucky after falling short in their recent title matches.

For Tonga and Samoa's women, the semi-final exits end strong campaigns from two Pacific programs that have steadily closed the gap on the traditional powers. For New Zealand, the weekend sets up a shot at a rare double — and in Ponga, the men's side has its talisman fit at exactly the right moment.