Kiwis End Shaun Johnson’s Career on a High Note

In a thrilling conclusion to the Pacific Championships campaign, the New Zealand Kiwis smashed Papua New Guinea 54-12 in Sydney, securing their place at the top tier for 2025. The victory marked a fitting farewell for veteran player Shaun Johnson, who rode off into the sunset on a high note after a storied 35-test international career.

The Kiwis were heavy favorites, with only one loss to Papua New Guinea dating back to 1986. However, the Kumuls have made significant strides over the past decade and presented a formidable challenge. Despite being 10-6 at halftime, the Kumuls showed remarkable resilience before the Kiwis took control, scoring six tries in the second half.

Casey McLean, the young rookie winger, stole the show with four tries and several eye-catching touches, cementing his status as a special talent. His performance made him the third youngest Kiwi to make his test debut after Will Warbrick’s injury forced him out of the previous match.

Key Players and Highlights

* Casey McLean: 4 tries, showcasing poise, pace, and power in just six NRL games.
* Shaun Johnson: Top-notch performance, contributing five try assists and displaying his full range of skills.
* Jamayne Isaako: Hat-trick of tries, demonstrating the Kiwis’ attacking prowess.
* Joseph Tapine and Scott Sorensen: Strong forward effort, with Keano Kini topping 300 running meters.
* Peta Hiku and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad: Crucial plays in the first half, including a try for McLean.

The Kiwis’ victory was not without its challenges. The Kumuls showed remarkable spirit, responding to successive setbacks before eventually succumbing to the superior side. Liam Horne’s missed try and Rhyse Martin’s disallowed score provided glimpses of what could have been if the Kumuls had capitalized on their opportunities.

A New Era Dawns

Shaun Johnson’s farewell match will be remembered for its thrilling conclusion, as he rode off into retirement with a winning smile. The Kiwis’ resurgence under new leadership has brought renewed optimism to the team, and McLean’s emergence hints at an exciting future for the side.

As the Pacific Championships campaign comes to a close, the Kiwis have secured their place in the top tier for 2025. With Johnson’s departure marking the end of an era, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next? Will McLean and the young guns lead the team to even greater heights?

Match Statistics

* Kiwis: 54 (Casey McLean 4, Jamayne Isaako 3, Leo Thompson, Nicoll-Klokstad, Naufahu Whyte tries; Jamayne Isaako 6 cons, Shaun Johnson con)
* PNG Kumuls: 12 (Sylvester Namo, Robert Derby tries; Rhyse Martin 2 cons)

Halftime Scoreline:

Kiwis 22-6

Match Recap

The match got off to a lively start, with the Kiwis scoring four tries in quick succession. The Kumuls responded with a try of their own, but the Kiwis took control before halftime, thanks in part to Johnson’s clever playmaking and McLean’s electrifying performances.

The second half saw the Kiwis extend their lead, with three more tries coming from McLean and Isaako. The Kumuls made one last-ditch effort, but it was too little, too late as the Kiwis celebrated a well-deserved win.

Conclusion

In a fitting conclusion to the Pacific Championships campaign, the New Zealand Kiwis smashed Papua New Guinea 54-12, securing their place in the top tier for 2025. Shaun Johnson’s farewell match will be remembered for its thrilling conclusion, and Casey McLean’s emergence hints at an exciting future for the team.