Young Kiwis shine as New Zealand clinch Pacific Cup, depth impresses both sides

There is certainly no shortage of depth across Toa Sāmoa and New Zealand after the Kiwis showcased their strength in the 2025 Pacific Championships final in Sydney on Sunday.

Following a strong second half, the Kiwis dominated Toa Sāmoa 36-14 to secure the Pacific Cup at a packed Commbank Stadium.

While the loss was disappointing, Toa Sāmoa can find confidence in the depth of talent as they prepare for next year's World Cup in Australia.

A standout for Sāmoa was 21-year-old hooker Benaiah Ioelu, who, despite having only 12 club appearances, impressed with his attacking confidence.

Ioelu came close to scoring one of the match's many near tries before being held up by two Kiwi defenders.

For the Kiwis, captain James Fisher-Harris says the contributions of newcomers Xavier Willison, Erin Clarke, and Naufahu Whyte played a huge role in securing victory.

Kiwis player Erin Clark celebrates with teammates after scoring. Photo/David Neilson/Photosport

“I thought the three young boys off the bench were really good. Naufahu, Erin, and Xavie," Fisher-Harris told a post-match interview.

"They just come do their thing… when those boys came on tonight [Sunday], they really brought the impact, and we obviously started scoring a little bit more.

“I think it might’ve been the point of difference when they came on, so they’re definitely headed on the right track and just super proud of those young fellas.”

Brian To'o celebrating with Deine Mariner after scoring. Photo/NRL Photos

Gold Coast Titans fullback Keano Kini, also 21, was phenomenal, running for 125 metres from 19 carries in the first half alone. His footwork and pace repeatedly troubled Sāmoa’s defence, drawing penalties as the match progressed.

Fisher-Harris says the series showcased the progress of the Pacific Islands, reinforcing the pride of wearing the black jersey.

“Everyone else is sort of leaning towards Sāmoa and Tonga," he says. "I love and respect that, but it’s really galvanising our group, and it just shows out there that our boys bleed black. It’s just great to see."

Toa Sāmoa started strong, with Jarome Luai making a successful offload that set up winger Brian To’o for the first try. But their cohesion collapsed after halftime, allowing the Kiwis to score 30 unanswered points while Sāmoa struggled with 11 errors.

Injuries add to Toa's problems: Deine Mariner and Francis Molo both left the field for head injury assessments or HIA with less than 10 minutes remaining. Their absence forced Blaize Taulagi and Simi Sasagi to shift out of position.

Toa Sāmoa head coach Ben Gardiner expressed to the media that an early penalty in the first half may have revealed misalignment in their strategy.

From left, James Fisher-Harris and Kieran Foran celebrating the victory. Photo/Mark Evans/Photosport

“Too many errors at the wrong time, momentum went against us,” Gardiner says. “Discipline was an issue at times as well and then you just put pressure on yourself. We talked at halftime about putting pressure on the opposition… and we put pressure on ourselves today.”

Five-eighth Dylan Brown strengthened his Golden Boot credentials by assisting three tries and sending Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad for the final try. His performance, on and off the ball, proved challenging for the Toa defence.

Celebrations for the Kiwis extended beyond the scoreboard, with veteran Kieran Foran ending his career on a high note. Head coach Stacey Jones praised Foran for his character and service to the game.

“Just a special person, he means so much to everyone in this group," Jones told reporters. "He’s part of the leadership group and he just bleeds black… what a way for him to finish off in an outstanding career."

Sāmoa showed resilience early on defence, fending off multiple attacking sets and denying three near tries, culminating in an 80-metre interception try by Simi Sasagi.

Captain Junior Paulo Up front, led by example with 12 strong carries, but the Kiwis responded effectively with tries to Isaiah Papali’i, Erin Clarke, and Naufahu Whyte, gaining control through the line.

Sāmoa also had opportunities denied, including two disallowed tries: one to Harris-Tavita. and another due to a prior knock-on by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, and another to Deine Mariner, which the bunker ruled as inconclusive grounding, sparking controversy among fans online.

With fans being an integral part of this campaign, the excitement now builds for the Rugby League World Cup in Australia in 2026.

In other Rugby League news, it was the Australian Jillaroos who proved too strong for the Kiwi Ferns, beating them 40-8. Meanwhile, the Cook Islands Aitu have secured their spot in the Rugby League World Cup after an impressive 58-6 victory over the South African Rhinos. For more information on fixtures and results click here.