Pacific Championships finals 2024: 54-point thrashing marks magical end to veteran's career, 18-year-old star scores four on debut; Kumuls hold on as Kiwis unleash late surge
Pacific Championships finals 2024 schedule AEDT
Women:
Promotion/relegation clash | PNG Orchids 12 def. by Fetu Samoa 34
Pacific Cup final | Jillaroos 24 def. Kiwi Ferns 4.
Men:
Pacific Cup final - Kangaroos 20 def. Tonga XIII 14.
Promotion/relegation clash | Kiwis 54 def. PNG Kumuls 12.
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Fulltime: Kiwis defeat PNG 54-12
It is a farewell many dream of having and for Shaun Johnson it is one that came true.
New Zealand have produced a 54-12 thrashing against the PNG Kumuls to escape relegation.
Casey McLean starred for the side, scoring four tries on debut.
Johnson finished his international career with five try assists in the match.
Is there any chance he could return in the future?
"No, not at all," he told Nine post-match.
"I'm just so grateful I got to do this because I didn't agree to do it until the third phone call. I rejected the opportunity twice."
Shaun Johnson of New Zealand. Getty
Isaako gets a hat trick
Jamayne Isaako has bagged a hat trick and extended the Kiwis score to 54.
Shaun Johnson has lined back up to take the conversion but he has hit the posts.
"Damn," Johnson was seen mouthing.
SJ records fifth try assist
Shaun Johnson may not have crossed the line himself, but he has sent several of his teammates over.
This time it's Naufahu Whyte who finds the line, cruising through a gap in the line.
"Why are you retiring Shaun?" Andrew Johns said.
The Kiwis have given him the opportunity to kick and he has nailed it.
It is now 50-12.
Timko injury
Matt Timko has come from the field with what appears to be a shoulder complaint.
The centre came out of a tackle clutching at his shoulder and has been taken off by trainers.
Isaako scores a double
Jamayne Isaako has scored a double!
The winger powered over out wide with his speed unable to be matched by PNG defenders.
Just 10 minutes remains in the match and the Kiwis are well and truly ahead.
PNG hit back
Papua New Guinea have finally found their chance to strike over the line.
Robert Derby has cruised over in the corner catching New Zealand's right edge sleeping.
The scores now stand 38-12 in favour of the Kiwis.
FOUR!
He has only gone and done it again!
Casey McLean is a name that everyone will remember after tonight.
The 18-year-old pounced on the ball off the magic boot of Shaun Johnson to score his fourth of the night.
Casey McLean of New Zealand celebrates with team mates. Getty
Hat trick for the debutant
Casey McLean has made history as the first man this century to score a hat trick on debut for New Zealand.
The 18-year-old has produced a debut he will never forget, posting 12 points on the board for his nation.
Unbelievable talent.
Kini powers 70m
Just as I write that Keano Kini makes a break down the middle.
The fullback has been explosive tonight and has been in every bit of the action.
He powered 70 metres down the field without being touched but was caught on the 30 metre line.
"What a player he is," Brad Fittler said.
"To be able to still maintain your speed when you're that fatigued is incredible."
