Eden Park Showdown: Manu Samoa vs Scotland – Island City Sports Desk Recap
Manu Samoa touched down in Auckland after almost a year away from international rugby. With Apia Park still under renovation and financial challenges back home, the boys in blue came in with heart, pride, and a few new faces. On the other side, Scotland needed redemption after their shock loss to Fiji last week. Under the lights at Eden Park, these two sides went to work.
First Half Vibes: Scotland Set the Tone
The Scots wasted no time imposing their game
- 8’ – Hooker Ewan Ashman powered over from a lineout maul
- 13’ – Rory Hutchinson finished a slick midfield break to double the lead
With tempo from scrumhalf Jamie Dobie and dominance at the set piece, Scotland cruised into halftime up 22–0. Arron Reed and Kyle Steyn also crossed the line in a first half full of clinical execution.
Second Half: Scotland Rolls, Samoa Sparks a little too late
The second half saw more of the same from Scotland
- Grant Gilchrist stretched the lead with a driving run early
- Samoa finally found their rhythm as Benjamin Petaia Nee Nee capitalized on a loose ball for a breakaway try
- Kyle Rowe answered for Scotland, but Duncan Paiaaua fired back with a powerful finish for Samoa
- George Turner closed the game with a maul try in the 75th minute
Final score 41–12 Scotland, seven tries to two.
Key Takeaways
Scotland
- Dominant in the forwards and sharp in the backs
- Jamie Dobie controlled the pace with quick distribution and smart kicking
- Depth players stepped up big time with Lions-bound stars missing
Samoa
Young players like Jacob Umaga and Latrell Ah Kiong brought energy and promise
First test since September 2024, featuring six debutants
Flashes of brilliance but struggled with cohesion and discipline
Player Spotlight: Jacob Umaga – Could he be the Future of Samoa’s Backline?
Jacob Umaga arrived on Eden Park with a legacy on his back and a mission in his heart. The 26-year-old son of Mike Umaga and nephew of Tana Umaga chose to honor his roots by donning the Samoan blue.
What He Brought
- Composure under pressure – Steered the attack with calm decision-making
- Creative vision – Linked phases and provided clean ball for his runners
- On the scoreboard – Slotted a perfect conversion after Duncan Paiaaua’s try
This was not just a debut. It was a statement. Jacob’s presence brought control and glimpses of a future where Samoa’s backline could shine again.
Island City’s take: Umaga is more than a new face. He is a playmaker Samoa can build around. Watch this space.
