Kiwis Face Toa Samoa in Pacific Championship Final Showdown

The Pacific Championship final will take place on Sunday, November 9, 2023, at CommBank Stadium in Sydney, where the NZ Kiwis will face Toa Samoa. Kickoff is scheduled for 18:05 local time. This highly anticipated match marks the seventh meeting between the two teams, with Samoa seeking their first victory over New Zealand.

Historically, Toa Samoa has struggled against the Kiwis, losing all six previous encounters. Their last match, just three weeks prior, ended in a narrow 24-18 defeat, with Samoa missing several key chances in the closing minutes. The last time they came close to victory was in 2014, when a late try from Shaun Kenny-Dowall secured a 14-12 win for New Zealand during the Four Nations tournament.

The Kiwis showcased their strength in the 2023 Pacific Championships, notably defeating Samoa 50-0 earlier in the tournament. Wingers Jamayne Isaako and Ronaldo Mulitalo each scored twice, while Isaako successfully converted seven of the nine tries. This season, Samoa has transformed from a warm-up opponent to a formidable competitor, largely due to the commitment of top players returning to their heritage.

Form and Team Updates

Samoa made headlines during the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, reaching the final after defeating England 27-26 in the semifinals. Their recent 34-6 victory over Tonga marked their first win since that World Cup semi-final, although they struggled against both the Kiwis and Kangaroos in earlier tournaments.

Meanwhile, New Zealand has displayed improvement under the guidance of coach Stacey Jones. After a rocky 2022 season, the Kiwis have developed a more cohesive team. Young talents like centre/winger Casey McLean and fullback Keano Kini have emerged as crucial players, bolstering the squad as they head into the final as the favourites.

The Kiwis’ roster includes:
– **1. Keano Kini**
– **2. Jamayne Isaako**
– **3. Matt Timoko**
– **4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad**
– **5. Casey McLean**
– **6. Dylan Brown**
– **7. Kieran Foran**
– **8. James Fisher-Harris (captain)**
– **9. Phoenix Crossland**
– **10. Moses Leota**
– **11. Briton Nikora**
– **12. Isaiah Papali’i**
– **13. Joseph Tapine**

Substitutes:
– **14. Te Maire Martin**
– **15. Naufahu Whyte**
– **16. Erin Clark**
– **17. Xavier Willison**

Jones has maintained the same lineup that faced Tonga, despite injuries forcing some last-minute adjustments. Veteran halfback Kieran Foran, 35, will make his final appearance for the Kiwis, capping off a distinguished international career.

On the other hand, Samoa’s lineup features:
– **1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck**
– **2. Brian To’o**
– **3. Izack Tago**
– **4. Deine Mariner**
– **5. Murray Taulagi**
– **6. Blaize Talagi**
– **7. Jarome Luai (captain)**
– **8. Francis Molo**
– **9. Jazz Tevaga**
– **10. Payne Haas**
– **11. Jaydn Su’A**
– **12. Simi Sasagi**
– **13. Junior Paulo**

Samoa’s only change from their previous match against Tonga is the inclusion of Jaydn Su’A, who replaces injured second-rower Jeremiah Nanai. Coach Ben Gardiner has restructured the team strategically, aiming to optimize their performance against the Kiwis.

Key Players and Venue Insights

Key players to watch include Payne Haas, a dominant force for Samoa, whose performance will be crucial in the forward battle. His last encounter against the Kiwis marked his Samoan debut, and neutralizing his impact will be essential for New Zealand’s chances.

The final will take place at CommBank Stadium, which has a capacity of 30,000. Some commentators have questioned the choice of venue, as Sydney holds the largest Polynesian population in the world, and a larger crowd might have been anticipated. Former international player Monty Betham expressed confidence in the atmosphere, stating, “the sound doesn’t get released anywhere, it just bounces off the walls.”

As both teams prepare for this crucial match, the outcome may hinge on adjustments made since their last meeting. The speed of players like Kini and McLean could provide an advantage for the Kiwis, while Samoa’s ability to address previous weaknesses will be tested.

This final represents more than just a trophy; it embodies the competitive spirit of Pacific rugby league and the growing rivalry between these two nations. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere and a showcase of talent as the Kiwis and Toa Samoa battle for Pacific Championship glory.