‘A try every day of the week’: Kiwis sink Samoa to rule the Pacific after contentious call leaves Mariner high and dry

New Zealand Triumphs Over Samoa in Pacific Championships Final

The final match of the 2025 rugby calendar delivered an impressive display of skill and resilience as New Zealand defeated Samoa 36-14. Both teams demonstrated their ability to challenge Australia’s dominance ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Match Highlights and Key Performances

New Zealand overcame an eight-point deficit, showcasing power up front and speed on the wings. The combination made them a formidable opponent ready to disrupt the global rugby league landscape.

Samoa's Strong Resistance

Samoa’s Payne Haas delivered an outstanding performance, showing immense strength despite the team’s eventual fatigue in the second half. Samoa maintained fierce competition but were ultimately overwhelmed as New Zealand controlled more than 60% of possession.

“With Jahrome Hughes to come back into the line-up, these Kiwis will have no weaknesses if they are at full strength for the World Cup.”

Looking Ahead to the World Cup

This match underscored the growing threat New Zealand and Samoa pose to Australia’s rugby supremacy. Both teams combined power, skill, and speed, indicating they could be serious contenders on the world stage in 2026.

Summary: New Zealand's comeback victory over Samoa highlighted emerging rugby powerhouses challenging Australia's dominance, with key players poised to impact next year's World Cup.

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The Roar The Roar — 2025-11-09

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