The Fiji Bulikula gave it their all in the Pacific Championship Bowl Final against Fetu Samoa this afternoon. A remarkable late surge from captain Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala ensured Fetu Samoa’s victory with a comeback win of 16-12, thereby ending their long wait to return to the Women’s World Cup. With this victory, Samoa not only secured a spot in the 2026 tournament but also claimed the Pacific Bowl title and a chance for promotion to the premier competition next year.
Samoa is now poised to prepare for an upcoming promotion-relegation match against either New Zealand or Papua New Guinea, presenting an exciting opportunity to step up into the top tier of the Pacific Championship competition.
On the other hand, Fiji’s hopes of reaching the World Cup now hinge on their performance in the upcoming 2025 World Series, where they will face tough competition against Ireland from Europe, Nigeria from Africa, and the victor of the Americas qualifying tournament involving Canada, Jamaica, and the USA.
This tournament is a vital stepping stone for both teams, showcasing the spirit and resilience of women’s rugby in the Pacific. Despite the loss, Fiji has an opportunity to regroup and assess their strategies for future competitions, and their supporters can remain hopeful for their journey ahead.
Overall, this match exemplified the competitive nature of Pacific rugby and highlighted the growing talent in the region, setting the stage for thrilling contests in the years to come.
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