Kiwis Edge Samoa in Thrilling Pacific Championships Opener
auckland – The New Zealand Kiwis secured a hard-fought 24-18 victory over Toa Samoa in a gripping Pacific Championships clash at Auckland’s Go media Stadium. The match, a showcase of Pacific rugby league, saw a late try to Dylan Brown prove decisive.
The game was tightly contested throughout, with the scores locked at 12-all at halftime and 18-all entering the final ten minutes. Brown’s try, stemming from a Kieran Foran kick, put the Kiwis ahead, though the grounding was met with controversy as replays suggested a possible short ball. Despite protests from Samoa players and fans,the on-field decision stood.
Samoa, seeking revenge for a 50-point defeat in their previous encounter, mounted a spirited challenge but were ultimately undone by crucial errors, including two dropped balls near the Kiwis’ try line.
Payne Haas impressed on debut for Samoa, delivering a powerful performance from the front row, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck excelled at fullback in his first match against the Kiwis. Casey McLean scored two tries for the Kiwis, contributing to their clinical performance.
The win maintains New Zealand’s undefeated record against Samoa and sets them up favorably for their upcoming match against Tonga in two weeks.
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