The 2025 Pacific Championships intensified in week two with an electrifying encounter between Tonga and Samoa at Suncorp Stadium, which saw a dramatic delay of 95 minutes due to lightning. Samoa dominated the first half, establishing a 16-0 lead before play was halted as the threat of lightning loomed dangerously close. After the delay, Samoa continued their strong performance, netting three more tries, including a heartfelt touchdown from Payne Haas, who made his Test debut for Samoa.
This victory secured Samoa a place in the Pacific Cup final scheduled for November 9. Tonga, on the other hand, faces a tough challenge next weekend as they need to beat the Kiwis by at least 17 points to qualify for the final.
In a showcase of skill, the Australian Jillaroos displayed their prowess by overwhelming Fetu Samoa with an impressive 60-0 victory, scoring 11 tries in the process. Julia Robinson, Jess Sergis, and Tamika Upton each contributed two tries, setting the stage for a thrilling clash against the Kiwi Ferns in Auckland next week.
Meanwhile, in Port Moresby, the Pacific Bowl tournaments captivated audiences as the Papua New Guinea Kumuls roared back into action after a week off, securing a 40-28 win over the Cook Islands. Robert Derby led the charge with a standout performance, scoring a pair of tries. The Kumuls have now secured four victories in their last five Test matches and look forward to an exciting matchup against Fiji Bati in the coming week as they compete for the Pacific Bowl title.
The women’s tournament also saw a historic moment for Cook Islands, which achieved back-to-back Test victories for the first time by defeating Tonga. The Moana emerged as the Pacific Bowl champions for 2025, racking up an impressive 76 points across their successful campaign while conceding only 30.
As the excitement builds leading up to the finals, the upcoming matches promise to showcase the rich talent and determination within the Pacific rugby community, illuminating a bright path ahead for the teams and their supporters.
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