In a pulsating start to the 2025 Rugby League Pacific Championships, the New Zealand Kiwis held off a gallant challenge from Toa Samoa to clinch a 24-18 victory at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium.
A fiercely contested affair saw both sides exchange blows and momentum throughout the evening. At the break, New Zealand held a slender 16-12 advantage, after Samoa had shown promising signs early.
Key moments and standout performances
The Kiwis were indebted to the try-scoring exploits of rising star Casey McLean, who crossed for two tries, and the composed orchestrations of veteran five-eighth Kieran Foran.
However it was the match-winning moment that came when Dylan Brown latched onto Foran’s high bomb in the 75th minute and forced his way over to give New Zealand the edge. The scoreline now read 24-18, and Samoa had only minutes remaining to respond.
For Samoa, despite the loss, there were plenty of encouraging signs. Payne Haas, in his Samoa debut after switching allegiances, made a powerful imprint in the middle, while the back line threatened at multiple phases.
Samoa’s three tries came via Deine Mariner, Simi Sasagi and Murray Taulagi — the latter’s converted try brought the competition level to 18-18 before Brown’s decisive strike.
Drama, injuries and fine margins
The match was not without its flutters of drama: Samoa almost flipped the script when Taulagi looked to have scored earlier but was ruled to have stepped on the sideline. A few minutes later, New Zealand suffered a blow when full-back Charnze Nicoll‑Klokstad incurred a head injury following a heavy collision.
There was also a pivotal moment in the first half when Samoa’s attack looked set to extend their lead via a promising kick 40/20, only for Nicoll-Klokstad to scramble and touch the ball dead from behind — keeping the Kiwis in contention.
What this means moving forward
This win keeps New Zealand’s perfect record versus Samoa intact, and provides momentum as they now set their sights on upcoming fixtures in the tournament. Samoa, for their part, will rue missed opportunities — especially two dropped balls close to the line in the final quarter — but leave with plenty of positives for the weeks ahead.
Coach Stacey Jones of the Kiwis will be pleased with the team’s composure under pressure, while Samoa’s coach signs off on a performance that, if polished, can trouble any of the top-tier sides.
As the Pacific Championships gather pace, this match will be remembered as one of the season’s most entertaining openers — a testament to the flair and physicality of Pacific-region rugby league.
