Samoa staged a comeback to secure their first victory over the USA in nine years, finishing in third place in the Pacific Nations Cup.
Luke Carty started the scoring for the USA with an early penalty and quickly extended their lead to 10-0 within the first eight minutes, thanks to his successful conversion of Toby Fricker’s try.
Fricker’s try came after he seized an opportunity from a weak clearance by Samoa’s Rodney Iona, making a spectacular catch and running in without opposition. However, this early success was the highlight for Scott Lawrence’s team.
Iona responded before halftime by converting two penalties, narrowing the gap to four points. Carty’s attempt at a long-range penalty just before the break missed, leaving the score at 10-6 in favor of the USA.
Samoa turned the tide as Iakopo Petelo-Mapu broke through multiple tackles to score a remarkable solo try.
As the match appeared to be heading toward a draw, USA’s Jason Daam received a yellow card for bringing down a Samoan maul just five meters from the try line.
With one less player on the field, Samoa intensified their attack and ultimately scored with three minutes remaining, as Melani Nanai crossed over in the left corner.