Kiwis Secure Thrilling 24-18 Victory Over Samoa in Pacific Cup

In a gripping encounter at One New Zealand Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, the Kiwis edged out Samoa with a score of 24-18, securing their first victory in the Pacific Cup. Dylan Brown emerged as the standout player, delivering a spectacular late try that clinched the win for New Zealand, thwarting Samoa’s hopes for an inaugural victory against the Kiwis in their last six meetings.

The match, held on October 29, 2023, saw over 135,000 Samoans residing in Auckland passionately supporting their team. Brown’s decisive try came in the 73rd minute when he leapt to catch a kick from Kieran Foran, crashing into the goalpost before grounding the ball. This thrilling moment not only showcased his athleticism but also highlighted the intensity of the match, which was the closest between the two sides since their previous encounter in 2014.

The Kiwis initially took control with two early tries from teenage sensation Casey McLean, who scored in the 9th and 21st minutes. McLean’s performance has been impressive, tallying six tries in just two tests. However, as the game progressed, the Kiwis relied heavily on their defense to maintain their lead.

Samoa, led by captain Jarome Luai, remained competitive throughout the match. Luai expressed gratitude to the vocal supporters, stating, “You kept us in the fight,” during a post-match interview on Sky Sport. Samoa’s resilience was evident, particularly through the efforts of NRL prop of the year Payne Haas, who made 53 tackles and gained 177 meters.

The contest saw Samoa level the score at 12-12 just before halftime, with tries from Deine Mariner and Simi Sasagi. A critical moment for the Kiwis occurred when fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad’s knock-on gifted Samoa an attacking scrum, allowing Mariner to score. Samoa’s second try came from a well-executed play, with Sasagi pouncing on a loose ball following a 40:20 attempt.

As halftime approached, the Kiwis managed to regain momentum, with Brown assisting Matthew Timoko’s try, which occurred in the dying moments of the first half. This effort allowed New Zealand to enter the break with a narrow 16-12 lead.

The second half saw momentum shift back and forth, with both sides exhibiting strong defensive plays and occasional lapses. The Kiwis extended their lead to 18-12 thanks to Jamayne Isaako’s successful conversion in the 63rd minute after Nicoll-Klokstad had been forced off the field due to injury.

Samoa continued to fight back, with Murray Taulagi finally breaking through for a try after a controversial play involving a potential high shot. Taulagi’s conversion tied the score again at 18-18, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

Despite several opportunities, Samoa could not capitalize on their momentum, including a dropped pass from Mariner that could have led to another try. The Kiwis’ defense held firm, and Brown’s late heroics sealed the victory.

As the teams prepare for their next matches, Samoa will face Tonga in Brisbane, while the Kiwis are set to clash with Tonga in Auckland on November 2, 2024. This thrilling Pacific Cup match not only showcased the talent on both sides but also highlighted the fierce competitive spirit that characterizes rugby league in the Pacific region.