Get ready for an intense and highly anticipated showdown at the 2025 Pacific Championships! The stage is set at CommBank Stadium, where the spirit and pride of Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa will collide.
The Battle for Pacific Supremacy
In the women's final, the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns are set to reignite their rivalry. These two powerhouses faced off in a thrilling dress rehearsal at Eden Park, and now, they're ready to deliver another epic encounter. With standout performances from Abbi Church and Julia Robinson, the Jillaroos gained a psychological edge, but the Kiwi Ferns are determined to turn the tables.
But here's where it gets controversial... The men's Cup final will feature a clash between New Zealand and Samoa. After a dazzling display against Tonga XIII, the Kiwis secured their spot, while Stacey Jones' men aim for their second Pacific Cup crown, having triumphed in 2023.
Women's Pacific Cup Final: Jillaroos vs. Kiwi Ferns
Jakiya Whitfeld, the winger who replaced Jess Sergis, proved her worth with an impressive 113-meter run and two line breaks. Sergis, coming off the bench, made the most of her opportunities, scoring her 11th Test try.
At halftime, the defending Pacific Cup champions dominated, completing 16 of 21 sets and running in four tries. The Kiwi Ferns, with an impressive 85% completion rate, struggled to find the final polish needed to breach the Jillaroos' defense.
In the 32nd minute, a missed opportunity for the Kiwi Ferns turned into a devastating counter-attack for the Jillaroos. Jakiya Whitfeld sent Jess Sergis on a clear run from 70 meters out, and Jesse Southwell added another easy conversion. The Jillaroos led 24-0.
A penalty against Annessa Biddle gave the Jillaroos excellent field position, and they capitalized with a try from dummy half Qunicy Dodd, who found Keilee Joseph for the score. Jesse Southwell's conversion extended the lead to 18-0.
The Men's Final: Kiwis vs. Toa Samoa
The men's final promises to be an equally captivating affair. New Zealand, fresh from their impressive win over Tonga XIII, will face a resilient Toa Samoa side. After a challenging promotion-relegation clash last year, Stacey Jones' Kiwis are eager to reclaim the Pacific Cup crown they won in 2023.
Late Mail and Numbers Game
The Jillaroos have made no late changes, with Tamika Upton returning from injury and Olivia Higgins starting at hooker. The Kiwi Ferns have also made adjustments, with Olympic gold medallist Tyla King starting at five-eighth and Tysha Ikenasio replacing Leianne Tufuga.
Here are some key numbers to consider:
- The Jillaroos have conceded just 12 points in their last six Tests, showcasing an impressive defensive record.
- The Kiwi Ferns have won only one of their past 11 games against the Jillaroos, highlighting the dominance of the Australian side.
- The Jillaroos have scored an impressive 160 points to eight in their three Test appearances this year.
- The Ferns have struggled on Australian soil, winning only one of their past five Tests.
- Jillaroos fullback Tamika Upton has been on fire, scoring 11 tries in her last five Test matches.
As the Pacific Championships Finals unfold, the action will be intense, and the outcomes unpredictable. Will the Jillaroos and Kiwis maintain their dominance, or will the Kiwi Ferns and Toa Samoa rise to the occasion? Join us on NRL.com's live blog to find out!
