Auckland’s Eden Park plays host to a massive double-header on Sunday as the Pacific Championships hits a crescendo ahead of finals day in Sydney next Sunday.
First up is a battle of the two powerhouses of women’s rugby league – the Kiwi Ferns and Jillaroos – in a dress rehearsal for the Cup final at CommBank Stadium on November 9.
With freakish athletes like Julia Robinson, Tamika Upton, Mele Hufanga and Apii Nicholls on show this promises to be an extraordinary showcase of the women’s game.
Then it’s time for the Kiwis and Tonga XIII to square off with a spot in the Pacific Cup final against Samoa up for grabs.
After a bruising encounter on a crazy Sunday afternoon at Suncorp Stadium, Tonga now need to regroup and beat the Kiwis by 17 points or more to progress to the big dance.
A win by any margin will be enough for James Fisher-Harris and his vastly experienced NZ crew to make the final.
Follow all the Pacific Championships action on NRL.com’s live blog.
Women’s Pacific Cup: Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos
17th minute: The Jillaroos have been slowly turning the screws, winning the field position battle and building the pressure on the Kiwi Ferns. The pressure led to an attempted 40-30 by Patricia Maliepo, however the ball sailed out on the full. The New Zealand defence had to scramble but they were up to the task to deny their opponents and force an error. Kiwi Ferns 0 – Jillaroos 0.
10th minute: It’s been an arm wrestle throughout the first 10 minutes, with both teams playing the territory game. The kicking games have also been exceptional, putting pressure on the back three from each side to work their way out of their own end. New Zealand have cracked first, however, handing Australia a penalty and a chance to attack. Kiwi Ferns 0 – Jillaroos 0.
2nd minute: The Jillaroos have received the first penalty of the match but it has come at a cost, with Keeley Davis leaving the field with an elbow injury. Quincy Dodd comes on to the field in jumper No.14 and she looks set to play a much bigger role in this game than initially envisioned. Kiwi Ferns 0 – Jillaroos 0.
Kick-off: We are underway at Eden Park, with the Jillaroos kicking off a showdown between the two best teams in the world. Australia have had the upper hand of late, but New Zealand are well-rested and fancy their chances on home soil. Both sides have booked their place in next week’s Pacific Cup final, with today’s game a chance to build crucial momentum ahead of the decider at CommBank Stadium. Kiwi Ferns 0 – Jillaroos 0.
Stat Attack
- The Kiwi Ferns have won only one of their past 10 games against the Jillaroos.
- The Jillaroos have scored 150 points to four in two Test appearances in 2025.
- Centre Mele Hufanga has scored seven tries in 11 Tests for the Kiwi Ferns.
- Jillaroos winger Julia Robinson has scored 20 tries in 11 Test appearances.
- The Kiwi Ferns have 11 players remaining from the team that played at Eden Park in 2023 v Tonga.
Late Mail
Kiwi Ferns: Tiana Davison comes in at prop for the suspended Brianna Cark while winger Leianne Tufuga and forward Shaniece Monschau have also joined the 17, with Monschau on debut. Otesa Pule moves into the starting side in place of Shakira Baker, while Tysha Ikenasio has made way for Tufuga. New Zealand will line up 1-17, with Tyla King the 18th player.
Jillaroos: The calf injury to Tamika Upton brings Abbi Church in at fullback for her Test debut. Ellie Johnston has been promoted to start after impressing in her Test debut off the bench against Fetu Samoa with Rima Butler sliding to the bench. Wests Tigers forward Sarah Togatuki has been added to the bench in her first appearance of the campaign. Jakiya Whitfield, who came off the bench to play on the wing last week, reverts to 18th player. No further changes in Sunday’s final update.
Men’s Pacific Cup: Kiwis v Tonga XIII
