Samoa's performances will be one of the defining memories of this tournament. In some ways, they made the event -- never before has the fourth nation performed so creditably against the Big Three countries.
In 2009, France were swamped 76-12 by the Kiwis and 42-4 against Australia. The following year, Papua New Guinea scored less than eight points per match while conceding more than 50. In 2011, Wales also struggled, with an average losing margin of almost 40 points.
It helped that Samoa were made up entirely of NRL and Super League players but the way they knitted together in a short space of time reflected the dedication of the team and the spirit created by their coaching staff. They also did more travelling than any other team and all their matches were played in the afternoon heat.
Despite that, they were a whisker away from toppling a star-studded England line-up -- not helped by some dubious officiating. Toa Samoa then dominated the Kiwis in a wonderfully-intense contest in Whangarei, with the home side getting out of jail in the last few minutes.
In pool play, they scored more tries than England and as many as the Kiwis and won admirers with their flair, skill and fight. Crowd records were broken across the tournament and moments such as Frank Pritchard's unlikely bomb against England, Joey Leilua's powerful try in Whangarei, the haka duel versus the Kiwis and Pita Godinet's quick-fire brace in Brisbane will live long in the memory.
"The performances of Samoa have captured the imagination and we have seen some incredible [games] in the pool matches," said tournament director Paul Kind. "The fact all four nations could have feasibly still participated in the final up until the last pool match highlighted the competitiveness of the tournament."
Most of the players and coaching staff went to Samoa last week to meet fans and participate in some community events. There were also civic receptions for the team and an audience with the Prime Minister.
"This team has put Samoan league on the map," said Rugby League International Federation development officer Tas Baitieri. "It's hard to measure the impact they have had but it's huge."
But once the dust settles, where to now for Samoa? They can't be allowed to disappear. The momentum needs to be maintained.
Indications are that the Pacific test, which has featured Samoa, Tonga and Fiji over the past two seasons, is locked in for 2015 and may be expanded to include four Pacific teams during that representative weekend.
There is a recognition that matches involving Pacific teams -- especially Samoa -- are less of a gamble now. In the past, broadcasting outlets would be hesitant, worried about non-competitive games, but maybe now they can be more assured of a return on investments.
Eight Island nations will also compete at the Pacific Games next year in Papua New Guinea.
That tournament won't include NRL or Super League players but is a chance for domestic and next-tier players to be exposed to international competition.
Breaking boundaries
•Before this year, no 'fourth nation' had come close to winning a match. Samoa were ahead against England during both halves and led with 15 minutes to go. They also led the Kiwis for 75 minutes in Whangarei.
•With 11 tries in their three matches, Samoa scored more tries than England (10), the same amount as the Kiwis and only two less than Australia (13). They were left to rue inaccurate goal kicking, particularly in their first two games (3/5 and 0/3).
•The Four Nations has traditionally been blighted by one-sided matches. France were beaten 62-12 and 42-4 in 2009 and Papua New Guinea were smashed 42-0 and 76-12 a year later. In 2011, Wales recorded scores of 56-14, 42-4 and 36-0. Samoa were beaten 44-18 by the Kangaroos but conceded two converted tries in the last five minutes.
•Though they ultimately didn't prevail, Toa Samoa can proudly look back on scoring more tries against New Zealand (three) and England (five) than the Kangaroos could muster in pool play.
