New Zealand vs Samoa match report: Shaun Kenny-Dowall rescues Kiwis to keep Four Nations hopes intact

New Zealand 14 Samoa 12: 2008 world champions scrape past Samoa with try five minutes from time as Samoans suffer second narrow defeat in as many weeks

New Zealand's rugby league side perform the Haka ahead of their Four Nations clash with Samoa (Getty Images)

Shaun Kenny-Dowall came to New Zealand's rescue with a late try as the 2008 world champions scraped past Four Nations outsiders Samoa 14-12.

The Samoans fell just short against England last weekend and they showed that was no one-off with another strong showing in Whangarei.

Tautau Moga's interception try gave Samoa an early lead and the Pacific Islanders went into half-time 8-6 to the good after Daniel Vidot cancelled out Kieran Foran's converted effort.

Joey Leilua swatted Kenny-Dowall aside to touch down and stretch Samoa's advantage just after the break but the New Zealand winger had the last word.

Isaac Luke runs with the ball during New Zealand's 14-12 win over Samoa (Getty Images)

Jason Nightingale's try set up a grandstand finish and Kenny-Dowall went over five minutes from time to deny Samoa a famous victory.

PA