New Zealand and Australia set up a winner takes all match at the Oceania Rugby Under 20 Championship after contrasting victories against Samoa and Fiji.
Despite making 13 changes from the team that thrashed Fiji by 60 points, New Zealand illustrated their depth, scoring 12 tries to overpower the Baby Manu 80-23 on the Gold Coast.
However Samoa captain Losi Filipo did not believe the lopsided scoreline was a fair reflection of his side's performance.
"We definitely made a goal for it to slow down their set-piece and I think we pretty much did that," he said.
"New Zealand against Fiji they had flowing ball but I thought that our Samoan boys really slowed it down - the results didn't show it but we know as a fact as a team that we did it so I think that's all that counts.
"I mean New Zealand is quite a strong side and to play like that is one hell of a performance."
It was a much closer affair in the second match between Australia and Fiji, with the hosts winning 32-24.
Fiji opened the scoring with a penalty kick and only trailed by five with 25 minutes remaining before the hosts closed out the match.
Ratu Vere Taukanoa Vugakoto, Apisalome Bogidrau and Salimoni Tukania all crossed for tries.
Fiji and Samoa will square off in an all-Pacific affair in the final round on Saturday.