Samoa staged a comeback to achieve their first victory over the USA in nine years, securing third place in the Pacific Nations Cup.
Luke Carty set the pace with an early penalty, quickly followed by a try from Toby Fricker, which he converted, giving the Men’s Eagles a 10-nil lead within the first eight minutes.
Fricker’s try came as he took advantage of a wayward clearance from Rodney Iona, catching the ball brilliantly and running in uncontested. However, that early success was the highlight for Scott Lawrence’s team.
Iona redeemed himself before halftime by converting two penalties, pulling Samoa within four points. Carty missed a long-range penalty attempt just before the break, leaving the score at 10-6.
Samoa took charge in the second half with Iakopo Petelo-Mapu breaking through several tackles to score a remarkable individual try.
As the match seemed to be heading for a draw, USA’s Jason Daam received a yellow card for collapsing a Samoan maul just five meters out.
With the USA down a player, Samoa capitalized on the opportunity, and three minutes before the end, Melani Nanai scored in the left corner, securing the victory.