Tonga’s spine-tingling Sipi Tau lights up Mt Smart Stadium

TONGA’S highly anticipated clash with Australia was kicked off with a stirring rendition of the cultural challenge - led by former Kangaroos forward Andrew Fifita.

Tonga’s Andrew Fifita leads the Sipi Tau ahead of Test match against Australia at Mt Smart Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

IT was the spine-tingling moment that kicked off the historic rugby league clash between Tonga and Australia.

Ahead of the first Test match between the two nations, rising powerhouse Mate Ma’a Tonga opened proceedings with a rousing rendition of their iconic Sipi Tau.

The Tongan cultural challenge was led by ex-Kangaroos prop Andrew Fifita in front of a sea of red at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium.

Tonga’s Andrew Fifita leads the Sipi Tau ahead of Test match against Australia at Mt Smart Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

The clash was sold out more than a week out and Tonga fans hugely outnumbered their Australian counterparts.

Tonga captain Sika Manu has previously spoken of the meaning behind the Sipi Tau.

“It means you’ll fight for your country and you’ll die for your country,” says Tongan skipper Sika Manu.