Join the Miguel Delaney Inside Football Join the Miguel Delaney Inside newsletter to get exclusive access and unparalleled insight. Football Join the Miguel Delaney Inside newsletter Football New Zealand has regained the rugby league Pacific Championships, securing a 36-14 win over Samoa and ending Kieran foran’s 16 year international career with a bang. The Kiwis, who trailed 14-6 at the half, dominated in the second half and scored five tries without reply to deny Samoa its first international title. The majority of the Sydney crowd, which was overwhelmingly pro Samoan, were disappointed. New Zealand has been overshadowed for much of the last few years by Pacific rivals Samoa, and Tonga. After dominating victories over both nations, Sunday’s comeback was a powerful statement in advance of the World Cup. New Zealand’s Naufahu Whatte and Erin Clark and Man of the Match Dylan Brown took control after Samoa’s tries by backs Brian To’o (left) and Simi Sagi (right). “The boys dug so deep — I couldn’t be prouder,” Foran said. “To finish on a high with this group means everything.”Samoa doubled their advantage when Sasagi intercepted a pass by Foran to sprint 80 meters and score under the posts. Talagi added a penalty goal in the last action of the half for a 14-6 lead at the break. Talagi kicked a penalty to make it 14-6 at halftime. New Zealand quickly recovered from the half-time break, reducing the deficit by two points. Foran and Brown sent Papali’i over, and a Jamayne-Isaako-penalty goal made it level.
2025-11-09 09:22:33
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