A superb three-try performance from Abigail Roache has seen the New Zealand women cruise to a 28-10 win over Tonga at Eden Park.
The clash was soured however, shortly after halftime when Tonga interchange player Ilaissane Taufa was sent off for a hip-drop tackle on Amelia Pasikala, which has since seen her referred to the judiciary.
Roache's two early tries appeared to set the tone for the Kiwi Ferns, but at 10-0 the hosts eased off through errors and ill-discipline and at the 26 minute mark, Tonga took advantage, Tiana Penitani getting Mate Maa on the board, with the 10-6 scoreline holding through to the halftime break.
New Zealand had more resolve after play resumed, Pasikala scoring just minutes before the Taufa send-off which left her with a broken leg, play stopping for several minutes.
The third Roache try then seemed to break the Tongan's spirit, with Annessa Biddle crossing next and pushing the margin out to 18. Penitani's second gave Tonga a brief spark of hope with fifteen minutes remaining, but Mele Hufanga hit back almost immediately following and putting the result beyond doubt even with ten minutes on the clock.
The win puts the Kiwi Ferns top of the Women's Pacific Cup, with victory in next Saturday's test in Melbourne between them and Australia to determine who wins the group.