Rugby: Wanganui Samoa beat Manawatu Samoa in final minute

Clive Stowers scored the winning try in the last minute for Wanganui Samoa to beat Manawatu Samoa on Saturday.

Wanganui Samoa are still alive in the 2018 High Commissioners Cup after scoring inside the last minute to beat Manawatu Samoa 22-16 in a thriller at Palmerston North's Bill Brown Park on Saturday.

In form winger Clive (CJ) Stowers scored in the shadow of fulltime to leave his team with a two wins, one loss record from their pool games.

"I thought we were in the final, but we've got to wait for Hawke's Bay vs Manawatu this week," said coach Ace Malo, who true to his word pulled the boots back on and slotted into first-five.

"I think Manawatu are behind us by three points, so I think they just need to win."

Defending champions Hawke's Bay Samoa are already confirmed for the September 15 final after they got a default win over Horowhenua-Kapiti Samoa on Saturday, to follow up their 60-10 hammering of Wanganui on August 25.

Manawatu Samoa had previously beaten Horowhenua-Kapiti Samoa 44-27, while Wanganui smashed the same side 66-0.

On Saturday, Malo scored the opening try, while reserve back Junior Ainea got a crucial intercept try in the second half.

Lote Tauialoto switched to No 8 and kicked two conversions and a penalty.

"I thought Lote would play well in the forwards, and he carried the ball well," said Malo.

"Our defence was better and our fitness was a little better, but we still need more."

The team will do conditioning work while they wait for the outcome of this Saturday's game, but once again they will have to do without a departing Pirates club member, as standout Vaovasa Afasu'a follows his midfield partner Meki Magele back to Samoa.