A dominant second-half performance saw the New Zealand Kiwis storm past Toa Samoa 36–14 at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta to win the Pacific Championship.
After trailing early to tries from Brian To’o and Simi Sasagi, New Zealand steadied through Naufahu Whyte before second-rowers Isaiah Papali’i and Erin Clark — both former Samoan internationals — turned the game with back-to-back tries.
Guided by halves Dylan Brown and veteran Kieran Foran, the Kiwis controlled possession and completed 10 more sets than Samoa, eventually running away with the match as Brown and Charnze Nicoll-Klockstad added to the tally.
Jamayne Isaako sealed the win with a late penalty, while Keano Kini impressed at fullback and Foran savoured victory in his final international appearance.
