Steffan Evans’ second-half brace proved enough for McBryde’s youthful charges to come out on top on a muddy Apia Park pitch which cut up following pre-match rain.
McBryde said: “We put ourselves in a very difficult position. We were 10-0 down early on and Samoa didn’t disappoint. We knew they would be physical and get stronger and they did that.
“We didn’t help ourselves on a couple of occasions, but the way the boys dug in and got through the arm wrestle was fantastic. That’s where the experienced members of the touring party like Jamie and Gareth Anscombe took the lead. For them to be guiding this team through those difficult periods helped us get across the line.”
Tries from Alapati Leiua and Maatulimanu Leiataua and the boot of fly-half Tusi Pisi had put Samoa on the verge of victory after Evans had crosed for his first international score.
But in the 74th minute, the Scarlets winger added his second of the day, his fine finish in the corner sending the travelling Wales fans wild.
“For an inexperienced front five to go up against a fully-loaded Samoan pack was impressive,” McBryde added.
“The half backs controlled things in that weather and we left a few tries out there. We could quite easily have scored before half time and the boys had the luxury of making a few mistakes and still winning as well. We’re delighted.”
After captaining Wales for the first time this summer and leading his team to back-to-back wins over Tonga and Samoa, Roberts couldn’t hide his pride at what McBryde’s men had achieved.
The experienced centre has proved a brilliant leader for Wales and a fine example to some of the more inexperienced members of the squad.
Roberts said: “It’s been a huge honour to tour here because the boys won’t get to do it again in their rugby careers. I doubt they’ll play here again for Wales.
“It’s not like touring New Zealand, South Africa an Australia where we tour regularly – the last tour here was 23 years ago. It was a once in a career opportunity really and this win was a culmination of the effort we’ve put in as a squad.
“This group got together four weeks ago with a short turnaround time to play two games, but they have gelled superbly and played for each other and the jersey. You can’t ask for much more than that.”
Roberts paid tribute to half back pairing Aled and Sam Davies. The latter ended the game with nine points, but both impressed with their tactical kicking in the final quarter.
It gave Wales the field position from which Evans scored his crucial second try.
“I think it was 10-man rugby at its best. Our centres and wingers did a good job chasing and the half backs kicked outstandingly,” Roberts said.
“Aled Davies kicked beautifully and the kick to compete off nine is huge. It’s certainly one of the most enjoyable tours I’ve had and to captain Wales is a huge honour for me, it’s probably one of the proudest moments of my career.”
Roberts continued: “These young lads maybe won’t realise how special this is. Maybe it will dawn on them when they have time to reflect. They have a lot to come in their international careers and it’s been a hugely enjoyable tour on my behalf.”
