Kiwis storm back to claim Pacific title after epic battle with Samoa

Kiwis Storm Back to Claim Pacific Title After Epic Battle with Samoa

The Kiwis delivered one of their finest victories in years, overcoming a 12-0 deficit to defeat a strong Samoan team 36-14 in Sydney, securing their second Pacific Championships title.

This emerging rivalry in international league has captivated attention after two thrilling matches in just three weeks, overshadowing even the Kangaroos’ tour of England.

A Thrilling Decider

Sunday’s match was a gripping contest whose final score did not fully capture how close the teams were. New Zealand trailed 12-0 after 30 minutes but transformed the game with the efforts of their interchange forwards, especially Naufahu Whyte and Erin Clark.

The Kiwis dominated the second half with near-flawless play, gradually wearing down their opponents and scoring five unanswered tries.

Key Players and Moments

Keano Kini led inspirationally from the back.
The entire forward pack stepped up against highly-rated opponents.
Playmaker Dylan Brown excelled, controlling the ball with precision.
Kieran Foran, at 35 years old and playing his 34th test, received a well-deserved farewell as the oldest man to represent New Zealand.

Samoa’s Performance

Samoa had opportunities to extend their 14-6 lead shortly before and after halftime but were unable to maintain their momentum throughout the match.

“The Kiwis had trailed 12-0 after 30 minutes but turned things around as their interchange forwards – especially Naufahu Whyte and Erin Clark – changed the mood of the match.”

“New Zealand were almost perfect in the second half, gradually grinding their opponents into the ground, as they scored five unanswered tries.”

Author’s summary: The Kiwis’ impressive comeback and cohesive team effort earned them a memorable Pacific title victory, highlighting a thrilling new international rugby league rivalry.

NZ Herald — 2025-11-09