NZRL

New Zealand Kiwis Win Pacific Championships

The New Zealand Kiwis concluded their Pacific Championships campaign with a convincing 36–14 win over Toa Samoa at CommBank Stadium. This victory marked a memorable farewell for veteran playmaker Kieran Foran in his final Test match.

Match Summary

After trailing 14–6 at halftime, the Kiwis dominated the second half by scoring 30 unanswered points. Foran played a key role in the comeback, linking effectively with Dylan Brown. Brown stood out by delivering three try assists, breaking 10 tackles, and running 181 metres.

Isaiah Papali’i scored two tries.
Casey McLean, Erin Clark, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad also crossed the line.
Clark’s impactful run early in the second half helped shift the momentum.
Papali’i sealed the win with his second try in the 76th minute.

Individual Highlights

Fullback Keano Kini continued his breakthrough tournament with 125 metres, six tackle breaks, and four offloads.
Naufahu Whyte contributed impressively off the bench with 194 metres and seven tackle breaks.

Team Impact and Coach’s Comments

The win secured New Zealand’s second Pacific Cup title in three seasons, reinforcing their strength as a top contender for the 2026 World Cup. Head coach Stacey Jones commended the team’s resilience and composure under pressure.

“Kieran Foran’s leadership was crucial, and the squad’s response after a challenging first half showed their true character.”

Conclusion

This victory celebrated New Zealand Rugby League’s pride and success, providing a fitting send-off for one of the Kiwis’ most respected players.

Author’s Summary

The Kiwis' strong second-half performance earned them a decisive Pacific Championship win, highlighting Foran’s leadership and confirming their 2026 World Cup aspirations.

New Zealand Rugby League — 2025-11-07