In a thrilling display of Pacific rugby league prowess, the New Zealand Kiwis overcame an early deficit to claim the 2025 Pacific Championships title with a convincing 36-14 victory over Toa Samoa at CommBank Stadium. This Pacific Cup final showcased the intensity and skill that define international rugby league, with both teams delivering moments of brilliance in front of a passionate crowd.
First-Half Dominance: Samoa Sets the Pace
Toa Samoa started strongly, striking first in the 11th minute when winger Brian To’o crossed in the corner, capitalizing on powerful runs from forwards Junior Paulo and Payne Haas, followed by a precise pass from Jarome Luai. Blaize Talagi converted to give Samoa a 6-0 lead. They extended their advantage in the 28th minute with a stunning intercept try by Simi Sasagi, who raced 80 meters after picking off a pass from Kieran Foran, making it 12-0 after Talagi’s conversion. A penalty goal from Talagi pushed the halftime score to 14-6 in Samoa’s favor.
The Kiwis managed a response just before the break, with prop Naufahu Whyte powering over from close range off a short ball from Erin Clark. Jamayne Isaako added the extras, but Samoa’s defensive resilience—highlighted by denying a potential try to Deine Mariner on the stroke of halftime—kept them in control. Controversial bunker decisions and strong forward play from Haas (74 meters) and Paulo (96 meters) underscored Samoa’s first-half edge.
Second-Half Surge: Kiwis Unleash Unstoppable Momentum
The tide turned dramatically after the interval, as the Kiwis dominated possession and territory to score 30 unanswered points. Isaiah Papali’i opened the second-half scoring in the 49th minute with a try assisted by Foran’s pinpoint pass and Dylan Brown’s offload. Isaako’s conversion and a penalty goal in the 52nd minute leveled the scores.
Erin Clark then delivered a barnstorming try in the 56th minute, brushing aside three defenders—including Paulo, Chanel Harris-Tavita, and Josh Papalii—to seize the lead at 18-14. Tensions flared as Clark shoved Paulo post-try, adding to the match’s physicality. Casey McLean followed in the 67th minute, finishing a slick attacking move involving Brown’s run. Papali’i grabbed his second in the 76th minute, and fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad sealed the win in the 78th with a corner plunge. Isaako’s accurate kicking, including another penalty in the 74th minute, helped inflate the final margin to 36-14.
Samoa faced setbacks with injuries, including Murray Taulagi’s early knee issue and Mariner’s head knock, which disrupted their rhythm. Despite valiant efforts from their forwards, errors and fatigue allowed the Kiwis to starve them of the ball.
Standout Performances and Key Insights
Dylan Brown earned player-of-the-match honors for the Kiwis, amassing 181 meters, 10 tackle breaks, and three try assists in a masterful display. Fullback Keano Kini impressed with 219 meters and eight tackle breaks, while Papali’i’s double and Foran’s composed playmaking highlighted New Zealand’s depth. This victory marked a fitting farewell for Foran in his 34th and final Test, as he reflected post-match: “I wanted it so badly for New Zealand, it has meant so much to me playing for my country.”
For Samoa, Haas and Paulo were immense in the engine room, combining for significant meters and tackles, but the team couldn’t sustain their early intensity. Analyst Phil Gould praised the contest’s quality, noting, “The Pacific is the future of our sport,” emphasizing the region’s growing influence in rugby league.
Pacific Pride on Display: What This Means for Rugby League
This result cements the Kiwis as two-time Pacific Cup champions in three years, positioning them as World Cup contenders. For Toa Samoa, the loss stings but highlights their potential, building on strong showings against top nations. The match exemplified the passion and athleticism of Pacific rugby, drawing global attention to the Championships.
As Island City Media covers the evolving landscape of international rugby league, this Toa Samoa vs Kiwis recap underscores the excitement ahead for Pacific nations. Stay tuned to islandcitymediagroup.com for more in-depth analysis and upcoming fixtures.
