New Zealand advanced to the Pacific Nations rugby league championship final with a dominating 50-0 win over Samoa. They put on an impressive display of skill and firepower in Auckland, which secured their spot in the final. Despite the absence of key players like Joseph Suaalii, Brian To’o, and Jarome Luai, Samoa was no match for the star-studded Kiwis.
The game was all but decided at halftime, with New Zealand leading 18-0. They scored six more tries in the second half, making it their biggest-ever win against Pacific Island rivals.
The victory sets up a final clash with world champions Australia at New Zealand’s Waikato Stadium in two weeks. However, fans will also get a preview of this final next Saturday when the two teams meet at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.
The result secures New Zealand’s place in the final, while Australia’s coach, Mal Meninga, may use the next match to introduce some new players, including the 2022 Dally M Medallist Nicho Hynes. Kiwis coach Michael Maguire may be less inclined to make changes after his team’s impressive performance.
The match saw tries from various players, with Jamayne Isaako scoring and converting his own try in the 14th minute, and Joey Manu having his jersey ripped while contributing to a dazzling play. Isaako finished with a double and seven conversions, leading the Kiwis to a convincing victory.
