New Zealand Wins Pacific Championships
SYDNEY (AP) — New Zealand reclaimed the Pacific Championships with a commanding 36-14 victory over Samoa on Sunday, marking a triumphant end to veteran Kieran Foran’s 16-year international career.
Despite trailing 14-6 at halftime, the Kiwis dominated the second half, scoring five unanswered tries. This performance denied Samoa their first international trophy and disappointed the predominantly pro-Samoan sell-out crowd at Parramatta in Sydney’s west.
Match Summary
- Samoa led early with tries by Brian To’o and Simi Sasagi.
- New Zealand gained control in the second half with key plays from interchange forwards Naufahu Whyte, Erin Clark, and man of the match Dylan Brown.
- Second-half tries from Isaiah Papali’i (two), Casey McLean, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad secured New Zealand's win.
Significance of the Victory
In recent years, New Zealand has been challenged by the rise of Pacific teams like Samoa and Tonga. This decisive comeback, following earlier dominant wins over both nations, sends a strong message ahead of next year's World Cup.
“The boys dug so deep — I couldn’t be prouder,” Foran said. “To finish on a high with this group means everything.”
Final Thoughts
New Zealand’s impressive second-half surge not only secured the championship but also provided a memorable send-off for Foran, reflecting the team's resilience and growing strength in the Pacific rugby scene.
Author’s summary: New Zealand triumphed over Samoa 36-14 to win the Pacific Championships, showcasing resilience and marking a high note for Kieran Foran’s international career.