Samoa Targets Upset Against New Zealand in Pacific Championships Comeback
The stage is set for the highly anticipated 2025 Pacific Championships, marking the return of Samoa to the men’s Cup draw. After missing last year’s tournament to tour the UK, Samoa is eager to face formidable opponents New Zealand and Tonga. The powerful lineup features stars like Payne Haas, Josh Papalii, Jaydn Su’A, and Junior Paulo.
Samoa Aims for Upset Against New Zealand
The Samoa team will kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Auckland. This match will be the first encounter between the two teams since 2023. In their previous meeting, New Zealand triumphed with a commanding 50-0 victory led by Jamayne Isaako’s impressive 22-point performance.
Women’s Pacific Cup Kicks Off
Alongside the men’s competition, the women’s Pacific Cup starts similarly on Sunday at Go Media Stadium. The Kiwi Ferns will host Fetu Samoa, guided by Titans players Taliah Fuimaono and Pauline Piliae-Rasabale. Shalom Sauaso, a rising star from the Broncos, is set to make her Test debut as a substitute.
Upcoming Matches
The defending champions, the Jillaroos, will launch their title defense against Samoa on October 26. Following this, they will take on the Kiwi Ferns at Eden Park in a much-anticipated clash on November 2.
Pacific Bowl Tournaments
- The men’s and women’s Pacific Bowl tournaments will unfold over three weekends at Santos Stadium in Port Moresby.
- Fiji and the Cook Islands will open the men’s tournament this weekend.
- Papua New Guinea’s Kumuls will face the Cook Islands in the second week.
- The women’s Bowl starts with PNG Orchids aiming for a win against the Cook Islands on Saturday.
All eyes will be on CommBank Stadium for the Pacific Cup finals scheduled for November 9. Excitement is building as the championship unfolds, promising thrilling matches and intense rivalries.
