Kieran Foran kicks ahead for the Kiwis against Samoa. Photo: Photosport
Brutal, bruising and enthralling, the Pacific Championships have kicked off in stunning style.
After 80 intensely fought minutes, NZ Kiwis have claimed an epic 24-18 win over Toa Samoa at Auckland's Go Media Stadium.
Locked up 12-all at halftime and 18-all heading into the final 10 minutes, Kiwis five-eighth Dylan Brown crossed for the match-defining try, latching onto a Kieran Foran bomb and sneaking the ball onto the chalk.
Although controversially, replays suggested he may have been short, as both Samoa players and supporters protested, but the decision stuck and the Kiwis keep their perfect record against Samoa intact.
Handed a 50-point hiding in their last meeting, the Samoans threw everything at the Kiwis, but fell agonisingly short, two dropped balls with the line beckoning ultimately costing them a famous win.
Front-rower Payne Haas was immense in his Samoa debut, while fullback Roger Tuivasa Sheck shone at the back in his first game against Kiwis opposition.
The NZ men proved too clinical, with Casey McLean bagging a brace of tries, as they nullified the fanatical Samoan supporters.
Another classic showdown in the Pasifika rugby league resurgence has well and truly set the home side up for the Tongans in two week's time.
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