LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The 2025 Pacific Championships final will showcase a clash between New Zealand and Samoa, following the Kiwis' impressive 40-14 victory over Tonga XIII on Sunday, securing their place in the championship match.
Fullback Keano Kini and man of the match Dylan Brown delivered outstanding performances, while bench forwards Naufahu Whyte, Xavier Willison, and Erin Clark combined for 39 runs and 408 metres. The Kiwis showcased too many strengths for Tonga, who needed to win by 18 points or more to qualify for the final.
After being involved in a promotion-relegation battle last year against the Kumuls, coach Stacey Jones' team now aims for their second Pacific Cup title after a memorable victory over Australia in 2023, where they won 30-0.
Retiring Kiwis legend Kieran Foran will play his 34th and final Test match against Samoa's star playmaker and "minister for energy," Jarome Luai.
In women's action, the Pacific Championships final features another thrilling contest between the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns. The teams previously faced off in a tough match at Eden Park, where Australia edged out a 10-4 victory.
Fullback Abbi Church shone in her Test debut, supported by Julia Robinson, who ran for 197 metres, helping the Jillaroos overcome their rivals in anticipation of next week's decider. Church stepped in for star No.1 Tamika Upton, who is recovering from a calf injury but is expected to return for the final.
The Jillaroos, who are the defending Pacific Cup champions after defeating the Kiwi Ferns 24-4 in the 2024 final, previously faced the Kiwis in a 12-6 victory in Melbourne in 2023.