The New Zealand Kiwis have won the Pacific Championships final after a dominant second-half surge saw them beat down Toa Samoa.
A scintillating second half saw five tries from the Kiwi side that cut its deficit to Samoa and snatched the title with a final score of 36-14.
“Absolutely brilliant football,” said Phil Gould on Nine. “The quality of the [football] … The Pacific is the future of our sport and to think it’s gotten to this is incredible.”
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Erin Clark shoves Junior Paulo in the face after bashing over to score. Nine
In the 33rd minute, the Kiwis were down 12-0. It was Erin Clark’s barnstorming try through three defenders in the 56th minute that stole the lead from Samoa.
Samoan winger Brian To’o scored the first try, set up by his former Penrith teammate Jarome Luai, the crowd erupting as he crossed over the line.
Blaize Talagi was able to convert to put the team up 6-0.
Murray Taulagi was ruled out of the game early, needing scans on a knee injury after his right knee bent into an awkward position as James Fisher-Harris tackled him.
Simi Sasagi intercepted the ball from the New Zealand side and ran nearly 80 metres for a solo try to put Samoa up 12-0.
Tensions boiled over during the game frequently, with Moses Leota taking exception to Junior Paulo, who gave him a shove as he tried to play it 16 minutes into the contest.
“There’s feeling in this one!” Gould said.
New Zealand’s first try of the afternoon came from Naufahu Whyte in the first half, before Samoa took a 14-6 lead into the break.
Samoa opened the second half with another spectacular try attempt but the Bunker ruled no try because of a knock-on by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
But Isaiah Papali’i and Clark’s thunderous carry followed.
Erin Clark celebrates during the Men’s Pacific Championships Final match between New Zealand Kiwis and Toa Samoa. Getty
He bashed through Paulo, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Josh Papalii to will himself over the line.
“He just muscles his way to the in-goal [and says], ‘Get out of my way’,” Gould said.
From there, Samoa could not stop the Kiwis’ forward momentum, with Casey McLean crossing for a try, Papali’i grabbing a double and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad dotting down.