New Zealand produced a remarkable second-half performance to overcome Samoa 36-14 and secure the Pacific Championships title in a thrilling final at Parramatta in Sydney.
Halftime Deficit Sparks Kiwi Revival
The match began with Samoa dominating proceedings, taking full advantage of the overwhelmingly pro-Samoan sell-out crowd. Winger Brian To'o opened the scoring with an acrobatic dive in the corner after being set up by his former Penrith Panthers teammate Jerome Luai.
Samoa extended their lead when Simi Sasagi intercepted a pass from veteran Kieran Foran and sprinted 80 metres to score under the posts. Though New Zealand responded with a cleverly worked try from Naufahu Whyte, they still found themselves trailing 14-6 at halftime.
Second Half Dominance Seals Victory
The halftime break proved crucial for the Kiwis, who emerged transformed. They quickly reduced the deficit to two points after Foran and man of the match Dylan Brown combined to send Isaiah Papali'i over, before a Jamayne Isaako penalty goal brought the scores level.
From that moment, New Zealand took complete control. Erin Clark barged over from close range for a deserved try, before James Fisher-Harris created space for Brown to send winger Casey McLean over, extending the lead to 24-14.
As Samoa visibly tired in the final minutes of the fast-paced contest, further tries to Papali'i and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad completed the second-half rout, with the Kiwis scoring five unanswered tries after the break.
Perfect Send-off and World Cup Statement
Sunday's triumph marked the perfect international farewell for Kiwi veteran Kieran Foran, ending his 16-year international career on the highest possible note. "The boys dug so deep — I couldn't be prouder," Foran said. "To finish on a high with this group means everything."
The victory also served as a significant statement ahead of next year's World Cup, demonstrating New Zealand's resurgence after being overshadowed by Pacific rivals Samoa and Tonga in recent years. Having recorded dominant wins over both nations earlier in the tournament, the Kiwis have firmly reestablished themselves as serious contenders on the international rugby league stage.
The comprehensive comeback victory denied Samoa their first international trophy and sent the passionate Samoan support home disappointed, while cementing New Zealand's status as Pacific champions.
