The New Zealand Kiwis dominated Papua New Guinea with a 54-12 win, securing their place in the Pacific Championship.
In the match held in Sydney, rookie Casey McLean made an unforgettable debut, scoring four tries, while Jamayne Isaako added three more on the opposite wing. The Kiwis scored ten tries in total, with Isaako converting six and Shaun Johnson, in his final game, adding one last conversion.
New Zealand was aiming to stay in the top level of the Pacific Championship after missing the finals this year. Although they had defeated Australia last season, this year they fell to both Australia and Tonga, forcing them to face Papua New Guinea, winners of the lower-tier bowl competition, to stay in the top group.
McLean, only 18, was a late addition to the team, replacing injured Will Warbrick. He matched a Kiwis record for most tries in a debut game, set by Brian Jellick in 1999. “It was a surreal experience,” McLean said, reflecting on playing alongside his heroes like Shaun Johnson and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.
Johnson, a 34-year-old veteran, came out of retirement at the request of Kiwis coach Stacey Jones to help with injuries. He played a key role and celebrated his last game with a final conversion, marking the end of a memorable career with the Kiwis.
The Kiwis’ victory means they will continue to compete in the Pacific Championship’s top tier.
