New Zealand Claims Pacific Championships with 36-14 Victory Over Samoa
SYDNEY (AP) — New Zealand decisively won the Pacific Championships on Sunday with a 36-14 comeback victory against Samoa, concluding veteran Kieran Foran’s 16-year international career on a high note.
After trailing 14-6 at halftime, the Kiwis dominated the second half, scoring five unanswered tries. This denied Samoa their first international trophy and left the mainly pro-Samoan sell-out crowd at Parramatta in Sydney's west disappointed.
Match Overview
- Samoa initially led thanks to tries by Brian To’o and Simi Sasagi.
- New Zealand gained momentum through strong performances by interchange forwards Naufahu Whyte and Erin Clark, with man of the match Dylan Brown playing a key role.
- Second-half tries by Isaiah Papali’i (two), Casey McLean, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad secured the win.
Context and Significance
In recent years, New Zealand had struggled against rising Pacific teams like Samoa and Tonga. The win, following earlier tournament victories over both rivals, marks a confident statement ahead of next year's World Cup.
“The boys dug so deep — I couldn’t be prouder,” Foran said. “To finish on a high with this group means everything.”
Kieran Foran’s career, spanning 16 years at the international level, ended with this triumphant performance.
Author’s Summary
New Zealand’s second-half surge secured the Pacific Championships title and celebrated veteran Kieran Foran’s impactful rugby league career with a memorable win.
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