Pacific Championships: Week 3 Team Lineups and Injury News

Week 3 of the 2025 Pacific Championships features thrilling matchups in both the Men’s and Women’s tournaments. The official team lineups showcase significant changes for several squads. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming games.

Women’s Tournament: Kiwi Ferns vs. Jillaroos

The Kiwi Ferns will face the Jillaroos on Sunday at 1:35 PM (AEDT) at Eden Park in Auckland. The Kiwi Ferns have made important lineup adjustments. Tiana Davison will step in as prop, replacing the suspended Brianna Cark. Winger Leianne Tufuga and forward Shaniece Monschau are new additions. Monschau will be making her debut.

• Otesa Pule replaces Shakira Baker in the starting squad.
• Tysha Ikenasio will move to the bench for Tufuga’s entry.
• Trinity Tauaneai from the Dragons has joined the reserves.

The Jillaroos also face player changes. Tamika Upton’s calf injury has led to Abbi Church making her debut at fullback. Ellie Johnston will start after impressing previously, while Rima Butler will shift to the bench.

• Sarach Togatuki joins the bench for her first appearance.
• Jakiya Whitfield returns as the 18th player after last week’s cameo.

Men’s Tournament: Kiwis vs. Tonga XIII

Later on the same day, the Kiwis will compete against Tonga XIII at 4:05 PM (AEDT) at Eden Park. The Kiwis have made surprising substitutions. Seb Kris has been replaced by Keano Kini, while Jeremy Marshall-King is sidelined due to a thumb injury, leading to Phoenix Crossland starting as hooker.

• Te Maire Martin and Xavier Willison join the bench.
• Willison earns his first cap for New Zealand after representing the Cook Islands.
• Nelson Asofa-Solomona has dropped from the reserves.

Tonga XIII also dealt with injuries. Will Penisini will start at centre, taking the place of Tolutau Koula. Captain Jason Taumalolo returns from a knee injury, while Rob Toia and Stefano Utoikamanu sit out.

• Paul Alamoti steps in at centre.
• Felise Kaufusi shifts to prop to cover Utoikamanu.
• Kulikefu Finefuiaki is named 18th player.

PNG Orchids vs. Tonga XIII

This Saturday at 2:00 PM (AEDT), the PNG Orchids will battle Tonga XIII at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The Orchids have made strategic changes to their lineup.

• Relna Wuruki-Hosea and Gloria Kaupa enter the starting side.
• Maria Biyama is promoted from the bench to start in the back row.
• Mya Muller will make her Test debut.

Essay Banu is sidelined with a leg injury, prompting Jessikah Reeves to shift from prop to lock. Tonga XIII has also made changes, as Ruby Fifita starts instead of Kalosipani Hopoate.

• Paea Uilou joins the bench for her second Test appearance.

PNG Kumuls vs. Fiji Bati

Later on Saturday at 4:00 PM (AEDT), the PNG Kumuls will face the Fiji Bati at the same stadium. The Kumuls have announced late adjustments.

• Lachlan Lam moves to the bench, with Finley Glare starting.
• Dudley Dotoi replaces a wing position.
• Valentine Richard is starting at prop.
• Jack de Belin shifts from prop to lock.

The Bati are also making adjustments due to injuries. Michael Waqa dropped out shortly before the match, allowing Kylan Mafoa to start at prop. Ronald Philitoga and Jope Rauqe will make their international debuts.

Tui Kamikamica will return as skipper after passing a head injury assessment. Fans can anticipate thrilling action in the coming games of the Pacific Championships.

Tickets for the tournament are available online, inviting fans to participate in this exhilarating sporting experience.