The Old Golds bookend was strong off the bench, scoring in the dying minutes to secure a 31-14 win against Samoa President’s XV in hot conditions in Apia yesterday.
North Otago were well represented in the victory, with No 8 Junior Fakatoufifita showing his worth and second five Tini Feke setting up a try on debut.
The Heartland XV struck first through hooker Jackson Donlan.
The Mid Canterbury front rower tucked himself in at the back of the rolling maul to crash over in the opening 10 minutes.
But Samoa hit back and pounced when the Heartland XV spilled the ball in their own half.
The home side moved quickly and swung wide to winger Taitaifono Senio-Tavita to level the score.
The Heartland XV led 17-11 at halftime.
It was end-to-end rugby from both teams as they chased down balls from broken play.
Eventually, Feke stepped two defenders and put Thomas Reekie over.
That extended their lead to 24-11, until Samoa first five Patrick Fa’apale banged over a penalty to close the gap to 10.
Funaki showed his worth and had a couple of big carries up the middle.
Lesen Huiarangi was sent to the bin after repeat infringements from the New Zealand side, but they held strong for that period to keep Samoa out.
Hugo Fata almost pulled off something special. He broke away up the middle of the field and put his foot down.
He then chipped it ahead and almost scored, but the ball beat him and went dead.
But the New Zealanders came back and put the game to bed with Funaki’s try.
Former Crusaders and Tasman halfback Kahn Fotuali’i — aged 43 — made his debut in the black jersey off the bench.
It was a special occasion for the Horowhenua-Kapiti general, who played 35 tests for Samoa between 2010 and 2017.
The Heartland XV now meet Samoa XV in their final game on Saturday.
