New Zealand have edged Samoa in a thrilling Pacific Test showdown, with a late Dylan Brown try sealing a 24-18 win amid controversy.
The Kiwis’ five-eighth scored the decisive try in the 74th minute from a Kieran Foran kick, though replays showed a potential double movement as Brown reached for the line.
It capped off an end-to-end contest that featured big moments from both sides and two late chances for Samoa that went begging.
Commentators described it as a test match that “leaves you wanting more” as the Kiwis held on under intense late pressure.
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Brown’s contested try sparks debate
With scores locked at 18-18 and just over six minutes left, Foran put a perfectly weighted bomb up toward the posts, where Brown outleapt the defence to score what became the match-winner.
“It’ll come down right in front of the posts. What a catch Dylan Brown! I think he’s surprised himself,” Andrew Voss said in commentary.
Michael Ennis added: “One of the special talents in the game Dylan Brown.”
As replays rolled, debate quickly followed about whether the Eels star had grounded the ball cleanly.
“Pinpoint kick metres out from the try line. And the athleticism of Brown on show, spins out of the tackle, does he get it to the line? Looks confident,” Ennis said.
Voss then pointed to a possible double movement: “There’s a little creep forward. He hits the goal post padding, and has to find his way around the padding. That’s his elbow on the line, not the ball you would say. He looks, then does a second movement. If they disallow this I’m not going to blow up.”
Blocker Roach agreed: “I think he was short, then he advanced the ball.”
But the final say went the other way. “I think there’s a guilty look,” Voss joked, before Ennis backed the decision: “I think it’s on the line, I think it’s a try.”
The bunker ultimately awarded the try, giving New Zealand a 24-18 lead that they would not relinquish.
Samoa’s late chances go begging
Samoa created two golden opportunities to level the game in the dying stages, both on the left edge.
Deine Mariner and Brian To’o each went close to scoring, but crucial handling errors denied them what could have been match-saving tries.
“Create the chances, not one but twice... but bombed both,” Voss said as Samoa’s final attack broke down.
“Had it been a little bit lower, he would’ve scored for sure,” Roach added.
Despite the heartbreak, the contest was hailed as one of the best of the Pacific Championships so far.
“A test match that leaves you wanting more of this Pacific Championship,” Voss concluded as the final siren sounded.
New Zealand will now look ahead to their next Pacific Bowl clash full of confidence, while Samoa will rue the missed opportunities that cost them a statement win.