SYDNEY (AP) — New Zealand have reclaimed the Pacific Championships in emphatic fashion, storming home to a 36-14 victory over Samoa on Sunday and ended veteran Kieran Foran’s 16-year international career on a high.

Trailing 14-6 at halftime, the Kiwis produced a dominant second half, running in five unanswered tries to deny Samoa their first international trophy and send home disppointed the overwhelmingly pro-Samoan sell-out crowd at Parramatta in Sydney’s west.

For much of recent years, New Zealand have been overshadowed by the rise of Pacific rivals Samoa and Tonga. But Sunday’s comeback, following dominant wins over both nations earlier in the tournament , was a strong statement ahead of the code’s World Cup next year.

After Samoa led through tries to backs Brian To’o and Simi Sas

See Full Page