In the aftermath of Toa Samoa’s 36-14 loss to the New Zealand Kiwis in the 2025 Pacific Championships Final at CommBank Stadium, head coach Ben Gardiner provided candid insights into his team’s performance during a post-match press conference. Speaking to the media, Gardiner highlighted the strengths displayed in the first half, the costly errors that unraveled their momentum, and the broader implications for Samoa’s rugby league journey toward the 2026 World Cup. This analysis draws from Gardiner’s reflections, underscoring the team’s progress and areas for improvement in international competition.
Strong Start Undermined by Second-Half Struggles
Gardiner commended Toa Samoa’s opening efforts, noting that the team executed their game plan effectively in the first 20 minutes through physicality and disciplined play. However, he identified scrappy play and unforced errors toward the end of the half as pivotal issues that carried over, ultimately contributing to the Kiwis’ dominant second-half surge. “We absorbed a lot of pressure on our try line… and then we had an error on the back of an offload,” Gardiner explained, emphasizing how such moments disrupted their rhythm and allowed momentum to shift decisively.
Discipline and error management emerged as key concerns, with Gardiner pointing out that repeated mistakes placed undue pressure on the team. He contrasted this performance with their earlier match against New Zealand, where Samoa maintained composure, and stressed the need for better decision-making under fatigue. “When you’re defending your own try line for 10 or 12 sets, it ends up being too much pressure and fatigue gets the better of you,” he stated, attributing part of the collapse to insufficient resilience after halftime.
Regarding a controversial bunker decision denying a try to Deine Mariner just before halftime, Gardiner deferred to officials and media, maintaining a professional stance: “That’s up to you guys to report on from there.”
Key Learnings and Team Development
Reflecting on the tournament’s three diverse matches—a tight opener against New Zealand, a strong showing in Brisbane against Tonga, and the final—Gardiner outlined critical lessons. He emphasized the importance of physical starts to establish control, a strategy that positioned Samoa competitively at halftime in multiple games. However, he noted a recurring issue with post-halftime execution, where the team lacked the “get up and go” to regain territory and pressure opponents.
Gardiner acknowledged defensive shortcomings, particularly against New Zealand’s offload game led by players like Joseph Tapine, James Fisher-Harris, and Isaiah Papali’i. “We need to tackle better and we need to be able to stop the offload,” he asserted, highlighting how these elements compounded fatigue and led to conceding 30 points in the second half—a margin incompatible with success in Test matches.
On mental aspects, Gardiner stressed the need for presence in high-stakes moments: “Big matches—it’s not just about the footy; it’s also about the mental game.” He described the team’s review process as rigorous, aimed at fostering improvements in resolve and focus for future campaigns.
Excitement for the Future and Community Support
Despite the defeat, Gardiner expressed optimism about Toa Samoa’s trajectory, viewing the Championships as a stepping stone toward the 2026 World Cup. He highlighted returning players like Stephen Crichton, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui as potential boosts, while affirming the squad’s ongoing development. “We’ve been working towards getting to the World Cup to put our best foot forward,” he said, recognizing strides since previous tournaments but underscoring the gap to elite nations like New Zealand and Australia.
Gardiner praised the Kiwis’ tournament progression and expressed eagerness for rematches against top teams, including England. “We’d like another crack at everyone… to challenge ourselves against the best,” he noted, positioning Samoa as an emerging force capable of pressuring established powers with a full-strength lineup.
He also extended gratitude to the passionate Samoan supporters, describing the “blue army” as phenomenal and integral to the team’s motivation. From bus parades to global backing, Gardiner emphasized: “We’ve got a lot of people that we’re playing for, and we just hope that when we turn up again next year, we can do a better job on the field for them.”
Building Toward Global Contention
Ben Gardiner’s post-match reflections encapsulate Toa Samoa’s blend of promise and challenges in the 2025 Pacific Championships. While the final exposed vulnerabilities in execution and resilience, it also reinforced the team’s physical foundation and mental growth potential. As preparations intensify for the World Cup, these insights will guide refinements, ensuring Samoa continues to elevate Pacific rugby league on the international stage.
Island City Media remains committed to covering the rise of Pacific nations in rugby league. For more analyses, match recaps, and updates, visit islandcitymediagroup.com.
