Pacific Championship: Victory for New Zealand men and Australia women

World champions Australia did not participate in the men’s Pacific Championships due to their commitment to touring England.

Samoa – who lost to the Kangaroos in the World Cup final at Old Trafford three years ago – was hoping to win its first international title when it beat New Zealand 12-0 thanks to tries from Brian To and Simi Sasagye.

But the New Zealanders hit back through Nauvahu White to trail 14-6 at the break, then made five unanswered attempts in the second half.

Interchangeable strikers White and Erin Clarke were key to the comeback, along with Foran and man of the match Dylan Brown.

Brown’s outburst and confrontation combined to send over Isaiah Papali’i on his first two attempts shortly after half-time.

After Jamaine Issako equalized from the penalty spot, New Zealand upped the tempo and Clarke, Casey McLean, Papalei and Charnze Nicol-Klokstad ran in tries against a tired Samoa side, much to the delight of the retired Foran.

“I wanted it so bad for New Zealand,” Foran said. “Playing for my country meant a lot to me.”

The full-back, who announced in July that he would end his NRL career at the end of this season after three years with the Gold Coast Titans, will now join his first club Manly Sea Eagles as an assistant coach.