The Kiwis prevailed 24-18 in a thrilling Pacific Cup opener against Toa Samoa, with halves Kieran Foran and Dylan Brown combining for the match-winning play late in the match.

Teenage centre Casey McLean scored the opening two tries for New Zealand to add to the four he scored on debut against Papua New Guinea last November but Samoa drew level through Deine Mariner and Simi Sisagi.

Just as it looked like the teams would go to the break locked up at 12-12, Matt Timoko scored on the last play of the half but Samoa weren't detered by the setback and appeared to be finishing stronger when winger Murray Taulagi scored in the corner with 10 minutes to go. 

However, Kiwis playmaker Dylan Brown capped a superb display by scoring the match-winner.

After missing the Pacific Cup final last year the Kiwis are hell bent on avenging that disappointment and taking down Samoa and Tonga to claim the crown.

With the first half of that mission complete they now turn their attention a week three contest against Tonga in Auckland.

Samoa will dust themselves off and count the cost of injuries before heading to Brisbane next Sunday for a blockbuster against Tonga.