NZRL

New Zealand Kiwis Win Pacific Championships

The New Zealand Kiwis concluded their Pacific Championships with a commanding 36–14 victory over Toa Samoa at CommBank Stadium, marking an emotional farewell for veteran playmaker Kieran Foran in his last Test match.

Match Overview

Despite trailing 14–6 at halftime, the Kiwis unleashed a dominant second half, scoring 30 unanswered points to secure the win. Foran played a key role in the comeback, working seamlessly with Dylan Brown, who delivered an outstanding performance.

Dylan Brown recorded three try assists, 10 tackle breaks, and 181 running metres.
Isaiah Papali’i scored two tries.
Casey McLean, Erin Clark, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad each crossed the line.

Key Moments

Erin Clark sparked the turnaround with a strong run early in the second half, shifting momentum toward New Zealand. Papali’i sealed the victory with his second try in the 76th minute.

Individual Performances

Fullback Keano Kini excelled with 125 metres, six tackle breaks, and four offloads.
Bench player Naufahu Whyte made a significant difference, gaining 194 metres and seven tackle breaks.

Significance of the Victory

This triumph gives New Zealand their second Pacific Cup title in three years and solidifies their position as a top contender ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

"The team showed great resilience and composure under pressure, led by Kieran Foran’s leadership," said head coach Stacey Jones.

The night was a proud moment for New Zealand Rugby League, celebrating both their championship win and a respectful send-off for one of the Kiwis’ most esteemed players.

Author’s Summary

The New Zealand Kiwis fought back strongly to claim their second Pacific Cup in three years, honoring Kieran Foran’s final Test with a memorable victory and standout team performances.

New Zealand Rugby League — 2025-11-09