Kiwis Secure Thrilling 24-18 Victory Over Samoa in Pacific Cup

In a gripping encounter at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, the Kiwis triumphed over Samoa with a score of 24-18, securing their dominance in the Pacific Cup. The decisive moment came from Dylan Brown, who executed a spectacular aerial try in the 74th minute, sealing the match and denying Samoa their first victory against the Kiwis in six attempts.

The atmosphere was electric, with approximately 135,000 Samoans residing in Auckland, many of whom filled the stands wearing blue and red to support their team. However, their aspirations for a historic win were thwarted when Brown soared to catch a kick from Kieran Foran, crashing into the goal post but managing to ground the ball for the clinching score.

Match Highlights and Performance

Brown’s remarkable performance earned him the title of man-of-the-match. He expressed gratitude for the support, acknowledging that Samoa’s challenge was “everything we expected.” He credited the Kiwis’ success to the team’s strong defensive efforts and the contributions from their forwards, particularly Joseph Tapine.

The Kiwis initially took control of the match with two early tries from teenage centre Casey McLean, who now boasts a total of six tries in just two tests. McLean’s first try came in the ninth minute, followed by a second in the 40th minute, showcasing his talent and potential.

Despite the Kiwis’ strong start, Samoa remained resilient. Captain Jarome Luai highlighted the vital support from their fans, stating, “You kept us in the fight,” during a post-match interview. Samoa’s lineup included key players such as NRL prop of the year Payne Haas and veteran Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, both of whom played pivotal roles in keeping the score competitive.

Turning Points in the Game

Samoa’s response came through tries from Deine Mariner and Simi Sasagi, leveling the score at 12-12 before halftime. The Kiwis managed a final surge just before the break, with a clever banana kick from Brown leading to another try from Matthew Timoko.

In the second half, the match intensified. Jamayne Isaako added a penalty goal, extending the Kiwis’ lead to 18-12. However, Samoa equalized thanks to Murray Taulagi‘, who scored after a series of quick passes. Taulagi’s conversion tied the game at 18-18, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

With the clock winding down, the Kiwis found themselves under pressure, but Brown’s aerial acrobatics ultimately turned the tide. The victory marked a significant moment for the Kiwis, showcasing their skill and resolve in a match that had the crowd on the edge of their seats.

The Kiwis are set to face Tonga in their next match on November 2, 2024, while Samoa will take on Tonga in Brisbane next weekend. The excitement surrounding the Pacific Cup continues to build as these teams prepare for their upcoming challenges.