European Rugby Tour

Samoa unearths NZ teen talent D'Angelo Leuila in victory over Canada

Papatoetoe's D'Angelo Leuila has stepped up on the world rugby stage, starring for Samoa in a 25-23 win over Canada.

The Papatoetoe Under-19 a player kicked 20 points for Samoa to hold off Canada 25-23 to end their European rugby tour on a high on Friday (NZT Saturday).

Making his first start for Samoa, Leuila's expert goalkicking proved the difference in slotting four penalties, two dropped goals, and converted Samoa's only try in the match played in the French city of Grenoble.

Manu Samoa insist wins will come with time

The Manu were thrashed 52-8 by France in Toulouse before a 20-16 defeat against Georgia in Tbilisi.

But lock Chris Vui, who made his test debut against Les Bleus, said progress was being made.

"We're starting to build as a team and what we've learnt is that it's going to come with time and patience," he said.

"In this team we've looked to bring back some old boys and a bit of youth mixed in together so the bigger goal is the World Cup. I think (the need for) patience in each game is probably the most key thing we've learnt over those two games.