Kiwis Storm Back to Claim Pacific Title After Epic Battle with Samoa
The Kiwis overcame a 12‑0 deficit to secure one of their finest victories in years. They defeated a strong Samoan team 36-14 in Sydney, winning their second Pacific Championships title.
This emerging rivalry has quickly become a highlight of international league, with two thrilling matches in just three weeks putting the tournament on the map and stealing attention from the Kangaroos’ England tour.
An Intense Decider
The final score didn’t fully capture how close the game was. New Zealand trailed 12-0 after 30 minutes but rallied impressively as their interchange forwards, notably Naufahu Whyte and Erin Clark, shifted the momentum.
The Kiwis’ second-half performance was near perfect, gradually wearing down Samoa by scoring five unanswered tries.
Outstanding Performances
- Keano Kini led with inspirational defense in the backline.
- The forwards faced their highly rated opponents head-on.
- Playmaker Dylan Brown excelled, controlling the ball superbly throughout the match.
- Veteran Kieran Foran received a fitting send-off in his 34th test, becoming the oldest man to represent New Zealand.
Samoa will wonder what might have been, as they missed opportunities to extend their 14-6 lead around halftime but couldn’t maintain their performance.
New Zealand’s comeback highlights their resilience and sets the stage for a thrilling new rivalry in the Pacific Championships.
Author’s summary: The Kiwis’ remarkable comeback from a 12-0 deficit to dominate Samoa and win the Pacific title underscores their grit and renewed international league prowess.