Esom Ioka has completed a stunning hat-trick to put the Cook Islands ahead, picking off a pass from Keano Kini and racing nearly 50 metres unopposed to score in a result that has left the New Zealand Kiwis reeling.
The moment proved decisive in the contest, with Ioka again reading the Kiwis' attack to intercept at pace and finish with minimal resistance. The solo effort capped a remarkable individual performance from the Cook Islands player, whose three-try haul has been the defining feature of a major upset in the making.
The Cook Islands now lead after Ioka's third interception try turned the game decisively in their favour against a stunned New Zealand side.
