Kiwis Edge Samoa 24-18 in Thrilling Pacific Cup Showdown

The Kiwis clinched a dramatic 24-18 victory over Samoa in a thrilling Pacific Cup rugby league test match held at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland. The match showcased intense competition, with Kiwis star Dylan Brown delivering a spectacular late try that secured the win and denied Samoa their first victory against New Zealand in six encounters.

Brown’s decisive aerial try came in the 73rd minute, following a well-placed kick from Kieran Foran. Despite crashing against the post-pad, Brown managed to ground the ball, sealing a memorable win for the Kiwis. The match was particularly significant for the large Samoan community in Auckland, with approximately 135,000 Samoans cheering on their team in blue and red.

The Kiwis initially took control of the game, with teenage centre Casey McLean scoring two tries in the first half. McLean’s performance was impressive, bringing his total to six tries in just two test matches after debuting against Papua New Guinea in 2024.

Samoan captain Jarome Luai expressed the impact of their vocal supporters on the match, stating, “You kept us in the fight.” The Samoans fought back valiantly, with tries from Deine Mariner and Simi Sasagi bringing them level at critical moments.

At halftime, the Kiwis led by just four points, 16-12, thanks to a late effort from Matthew Timoko. Samoa’s resilience shone through, particularly with Payne Haas leading the defensive charge and fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck making significant contributions.

The second half saw a series of tense exchanges, with Samoa equalizing after Murray Taulagi crossed the line following a controversial play. A knock-on by Kiwis fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad had given Samoa an attacking opportunity, which they capitalized on effectively.

Despite a strong performance from Samoa, which included a powerful showing from their forwards, the Kiwis regained momentum. Brown’s running game and Foran’s tactical kicking were pivotal in keeping New Zealand competitive. Foran, now the oldest player in Pacific Championship history at 35, played a crucial role in orchestrating the Kiwis’ offense.

As the match progressed, tensions heightened. The Samoans had a chance to take the lead after Mariner dropped a pass that would have resulted in a try. This missed opportunity proved critical, allowing the Kiwis to mount a final offensive push.

Brown’s late heroics capped a remarkable match, as he soared for the ball and scored under immense pressure. His performance was complemented by the solid defensive work from the Kiwis, which ultimately made the difference in this high-stakes encounter.

Looking ahead, Samoa will face Tonga in Brisbane next weekend, while the Kiwis prepare for a match against Tonga in Auckland on November 2, 2024. This thrilling Pacific Cup encounter not only showcased the skill and determination of both teams but also highlighted the passionate support from the fans, making it a memorable event in rugby league history.