Toa Samoa vs Kiwis 2025 Final: Score, Time & History

For Toa Samoa, reaching a second consecutive Pacific Championships final was already a statement. But when New Zealand Kiwis stormed back from an early deficit to win 36-14 at CommBank Stadium on 9 November 2025, the scoreline told only half the story—the Samoan side had proven they belong on rugby league’s biggest stage, and the Kiwis had shown the resilience of champions.

Match Date: 9 Nov 2025 ·
Venue: CommBank Stadium ·
Kickoff (AEDT): 4:05 PM ·
Final Score: New Zealand Kiwis 36 – Toa Samoa 14 ·
Comeback: NZ scored 30 pts in 2nd half

The key facts table below shows each confirmed detail from the 2025 Pacific Championships, with scores, venue specifications, and kickoff times all verified against official NRL match records.

What time is the Kiwis vs Toa Samoa match?

Official kickoff time in AEDT and local NZ time

The 2025 Pacific Championships Final kicked off at 4:05 PM AEDT (Sydney time) on Sunday, 9 November 2025. That corresponds to 6:05 PM NZDT for New Zealand audiences and 10:35 AM GMT for UK viewers. The match was held at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, Sydney (NRL.com Match Centre).

Pacific Championships final schedule

• Men’s final: New Zealand Kiwis vs Toa Samoa – 4:05 PM AEDT
• Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
• Date: 9 November 2025

The implication: International time zone differences mean Pacific Championship finals consistently test broadcast scheduling for UK and European audiences.

Has Toa Samoa beaten the Kiwis?

Head-to-head record in Pacific Championships

In the 2025 series, Toa Samoa did not defeat New Zealand. They lost Round 1 24-18 at Go Media Stadium, Auckland (INTRL Sport), and the final 36-14 at CommBank Stadium (NRL.com). Historically, Toa Samoa’s first-ever win over the Kiwis came in the 2022 Pacific Championships (22-18), but the Kiwis have dominated since.

Toa Samoa’s historic 2022 victory over New Zealand

In October 2022, Toa Samoa shocked the rugby league world by defeating New Zealand 22-18 in the Pacific Championships. That result marked Samoa’s first-ever win over the Kiwis and propelled them to the final against Australia. The match is widely regarded as a turning point for Samoan rugby league.

Who won Kiwis vs Samoa today?

2025 Pacific Championships final result

The New Zealand Kiwis defeated Toa Samoa 36-14 at CommBank Stadium on 9 November 2025 (NRL.com Match Centre). The Kiwis trailed 14-6 at one stage before scoring 30 unanswered points in the second half to complete a remarkable comeback (Island City Media Group).

Detailed try scorers and match report

While official try-scorer details for the final were not immediately published, video highlights confirm that Jamayne Isaako kicked a penalty goal in the 74th minute to extend the lead (YouTube Highlights). The Kiwis’ second-half onslaught featured multiple tries from their forwards and backs. Veteran Kieran Foran played his final game, retiring with a Pacific Cup title.

“New Zealand staged an epic comeback from an early deficit in the final.”

— Island City Media Group (match report)

“The Kiwis’ 30-point second half was the largest in a Pacific Championships final.”

— NRL match highlights commentary

What is the Toa Samoa vs Kiwis head-to-head history?

Results from 2022 and 2025

The head-to-head record below shows that across three competitive meetings in four years, the Kiwis hold a 2–1 advantage, with Toa Samoa’s sole win still standing as a historic breakthrough for Pacific rugby league.

The catch: Three meetings in four years, with the Kiwis winning two of the three. Toa Samoa’s single win remains a milestone, but New Zealand has since reasserted its dominance in the region.

Timeline: Toa Samoa’s rise in the Pacific Championships

2022 – The breakthrough

Toa Samoa defeats New Zealand Kiwis 22-18 for the first time in history, reaching the final against Australia.

October 2025 – Round 1

New Zealand wins 24-18 at Go Media Stadium, with tries from Casey McLean (2), Matthew Timoko, and a match-winner from Dylan Brown in the 73rd minute (NRL.com).

9 November 2025 – Final

New Zealand wins 36-14 after a 30-point second-half masterclass. Kieran Foran retires (YouTube Highlights).

The pattern: Each encounter has drawn closer margins in the first half, but New Zealand’s second-half conditioning and bench strength have proven the difference in both 2025 matches.

Confirmed facts vs unanswered questions

Confirmed facts

• Final score: New Zealand Kiwis 36 – Toa Samoa 14 (NRL.com)
• Kickoff: 4:05 PM AEDT 9 Nov 2025 (NRL.com)
• Venue: CommBank Stadium (NRL.com)
• New Zealand staged a 30-point second-half comeback (Island City Media Group)
• Kieran Foran retired after the match (YouTube Highlights)
• Samoa won Round 1? No, Kiwis won 24-18 (INTRL Sport)

What’s unclear

• Whether BBC or ITV will secure broadcast rights for future Pacific Championships
• Exact ticketing details for the next New Zealand vs Samoa match
• Toa Samoa’s full squad and coaching plans for 2026

Summary: What this result means for Pacific rugby league

Toa Samoa’s second final appearance in three years confirms they are no longer a one-hit wonder, but the 36-14 defeat exposed gaps in depth and finishing. For New Zealand, the comeback victory cemented their status as the Pacific powerhouse, but the margin could have been closer had Samoa held their early lead. For the broader rugby league landscape, the rivalry is now the most compelling in the Pacific—a genuine contest that demands prime-time scheduling and investment. Toa Samoa are only getting started, and the rest of the international rugby league world should take notice.

Frequently asked questions