The Rugby League World Cup came alive in the second half of the clash between New Zealand and Samoa at Warrington.
New Zealand had dominated the first half with tries from Simon Mannering (2), Josh Hoffman and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck coupled with three conversions from Shaun Johnson to an unconverted try from Ben Roberts. The Kiwis had a 22-4 interval lead and it just seemed a question ofjust how many would the defending champions score.
Two tries from Manu Vatuvei and one from Issac Luke extended the Kiwis lead to 36-4 before a sensational comeback from the Samoans.
They scored four tries in 15 minutes thanks to some explosive running. Joseph Leilua, Penani Manumeasili, Suaia Matagi and Antonio Winterstein being the try scorers.
The Samoans were always too far away from a shock victory though and the Kiwis closed out the game with a late, hat-trick try from Vatuvei.
Full report and reaction in Monday’s League Express.
