New Zealand overturned a 20-point half-time deficit to sneak home 22-20 against Fetu Samoa.

The Kiwi Ferns have never lost to Samoa or any other team apart from the Jillaroos and that record remains intact after producing a great escape in the opening women's match of the 2025 Pacific Cup.

The home team were given a hell of a scare in Auckland but they kept their composure to sneak home by two points and set up a blockbuster showdown with the Jillaroos at Eden Park in a fortnight.

Just as it appeared Samoa were on track for a monumental upset, 2022 IRL Golden Boot winner Raecene McGregor took control and New Zealand's middle forwards started to get on top.

After being well held in the first half, Kiwi Ferns centre Mele Hufanga stood tall with the game on the line. The 2025 Karyn Murphy Medal winner ran for 204 metres, broke four tackles and came up with the decisive try with eight minutes to play when she snaffled a kick and ran 90 metres to score.

Five-eighth Patricia Maliepo converted from out wide to put the Kiwi Ferns ahead for the first time in the match and they hung on to win.

NRLW rookie of the year Shalom Suaoso was magnificent for Samoa, scoring a trademark solo try, running for 200 metres and busting 17 tackles in a stunning international debut.

Source: NRL.com