2014 Four Nations: Second round wrap

Five Wests Tigers players featured in the second round of the 2014 Four Nations tournament as both matches went right down to the wire in a thrilling weekend of action.

Starting on Saturday in Whangarei, New Zealand, four Wests Tigers players took the field as Samoa took on a heavily favoured Kiwis side playing in front of a strong home crowd.

For Samoa, Tim Simona was again named at fullback, while forward Sauaso Sue made his first appearance of the Four Nations at lock. They faced Adam Blair and Martin Taupau, who were both named in the Kiwis pack for their second match of the campaign.

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Despite taking a surprising lead and holding a 8-6 advantage at the half-time break, Samoa were run down by the Kiwis in the final minutes of the match, with Shaun Kenny-Dowall crossing in the 75th minute to put New Zealand within touching distance of the final.

Playing in the unfamiliar position of fullback, Simona leading the quartet with 105 metres while Blair chalked up 27 tackles at his former junior home ground. 

Click here for full match highlights from New Zealand's 14-12 win over Samoa.

The second match saw Australia desperate to bounce back from their opening round loss to New Zealand, and while the Kangaroos eventually got the points in a thrilling match at AAMI Park, Melbourne, it wasn’t without a few moments of panic for those in the green and gold.

After crossing for first points through Michael Jennings, Australia trailed England 12-4 at the half-time break before tries to Greg Inglis and Ben Hunt restored their lead. The visitors threw everything at the Kangaroos late in the match, but the hosts were able to hold on and keep their chances at making the final alive for another week of competition.

With Robbie Farah dropping off an extended bench prior to kick off, Woods was the only Wests Tigers player to feature in the match, but he certainly made his presence felt. The young forward powered his way for an impressive 147 metres from 16 runs, while also adding a dominant 40 tackles as the Kangaroos posted a four-point victory.

Click here for full match highlights of Australia's 16-12 victory over England.

New Zealand will take on England in their final group stage match on Saturday, November 8 in Dunedin, while Australia face Samoa on Sunday, November 9 in Wollongong. 

England, New Zealand and Australia are still all in the running for the 2014 Four Nations Final, which will be played in Wellington on Sunday, November 15.

2014 Four Nations: Second Round Scores

Game III, Whangarei — New Zealand 14 (Foran, Nightingale, Kenny-Dowall tries; Johnson 1/3 goals) def. Samoa 12 (Moga, Vidot, Leilua tries; Lafai 0/3 goals)

Game IV, Melbourne — Australia 16 (Jennings, Hunt, Inglis tries; Smith 2/3 goals) def. England 12 (Watkins, Hall tries; Widdop 2/2 goals)

Wests Tigers Player Stats: