Shalom Sauaso scores a try for Fetu Samoa.
Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
Looking dead and buried at half-time, after conceding a 20-0 lead, the Kiwi Ferns stormed back in the second half of their Pacific Championships opener in Auckland, running in 22 unanswered points to deny Fetu Samoa a historic victory.
A three-try burst in seven minutes shortly after the break brought the Ferns back within four, before centre Mele Hufanga went the length of the field to seal an incredible 22-20 comeback win.
In a tense start, both sides produced trysaving tackles in the opening 10 minutes.
First it was Fetu as Destiny Brill made a strong run from the ruck only for Apii Nicolls to come in clutch and knock the ball free.
The Ferns looked to cash in as Shanice Parker took a cross kick clean and just needed to grass it, but Jessica Patea’s cover hit would jolt it out of her grasp.
With yet more territory, Fetu again took the direct route, Shalom Sauaso coming off the pine and with her first touch absolutely bulldozing her way to the line.
Sauaso smashed her way through five defenders with a brutal run to put her side on the board.
Another denial just moments later, Destiny Mino-Sinapati latching onto a high ball and got over the chalk only for a horde of ferns to keep her from grounding it.
There was no repelling Sarina Masaga though, as the centre showed slick footwork to squeeze though the Ferns defence for Fetu’s second.
Just as the Ferns were looking to get bak into the contest, Mino-Sinapati sent the crowd into raptures as she snatched a Patricia Maliepo cross out of the sky and streaked 90 metres, with just enough gas in the tank to outstretch the cover.
Things then started looking dire for the home side Masaga weaving through tackles and linking with a rampaging Tavarna Papalii to put Fetu in a commanding position at half-time, sending the Ferns to sheds shellshocked at 20-0.
The Ferns managed to pull one back not long after the break, Parker taking a deft chip ahead by Raecene McGregor to finally get the home side on the scoresheet.
Another try from the next set had the Ferns right back in it, Ashleigh Quinlan slicing through some tiring defence to suddenly reduce the margin to 10.
The comeback was all but complete when grubber ahead saw a scramble by the posts ensue, the ball eventually landing in the arms of Alexis Tauanea who slammed it over the chalk, the Ferns roaring back with a 16-unanswered point blitz.
The rampant Ferns were looking impossible to stop, only a Parker error in trying to ground the ball preventing them from squaring the scores.
The tide then officially turned in cruel fashion for Fetu, who were hot on attack only for the fifth tackle kick to be snaffled by Mele Hufanga.
Still 90 metres from her line, Hufanga hustled down the left flank, showing just enough toe to avoid the ever closing cover, Maliepo slotting the sideline conversion to put New Zealand in the lead for the first time.
Fetu had one last shot in the final moments, but Nicolls once again stepped up to snuff out the last opportunity for Samoa as the Ferns closed out a pulsating clash.
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