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DJ Forbes scores for New Zealand. - Source: Getty -
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An early try to Paul Perez gave Samoa the lead for much of the first half in Las Vegas, but New Zealand's experience and dogged defence saw the World Champions avoid an upset, winning 12-5 to top Pool A.
Perez exploited a massive numbers advantage on the left wing to dot down in the corner, as Samoa secured the early momentum in the match.
Turnovers from set pieces plagued New Zealand, as they lost two lineouts and knocked on from a scrum to give Samoa much of the possession in the first half.
Samoa were inches away from scoring a second unanswered try but, were unable to finish, as they knocked the ball over the tryline with New Zealand defending desperately.
New Zealand captain DJ Forbes ensured his side would not go into the break behind, when he finished an end-to end move on the right flank, breaking two tackles to power over after the half time hooter had sounded.
Tomasi Cama then put New Zealand ahead after the break, chasing down a long kick to ground the ball centimetres from the dead ball line.
His successful conversion gave New Zealand a seven-point buffer - meaning Samoa would need to score twice to win.
And though they came close once more, late in the second half - New Zealand repelled them again, with a grounding on the line being deemed a knock on by the referee.
New Zealand will now play England in the first cup quarter final, while Samoa take on Kenya in the third.
New Zealand: 12 (Forbes, Cama tries, Cama con)
Samoa: 5 (Perez try)
