Porirua is bracing for a massive Sunday as Toa Samoa and the New Zealand Kiwis gear up for the Pacific Championships finals in Sydney, with local fans proudly backing both sides.
Toa Samoa have named a strong lineup to face the Kiwis, welcoming back star forward Jaydn Su’A after a concussion. Su’A replaces Jeremiah Nanai, who’s out with a shoulder injury, while Jazz Tevaga moves into the starting pack and Benaiah Ioelu shifts to the bench.
Coach Ben Gardiner has largely stuck with the same team that dismantled Tonga 34-6 in Brisbane two weeks ago.
“We’ve had a great build-up and the boys are ready,” Gardiner said. “This is a proud moment for Samoa and we’ll give it everything.”
The Kiwis, fresh off a dominant 40-14 win over Tonga in Auckland, have named an unchanged 17. Keano Kini keeps his spot at fullback, and veteran Kieran Foran will play his final test match alongside Dylan Brown in the halves.
“These players did the job last week and earned another shot,” said Kiwis coach Stacey Jones. “We’re ready to go after our second Pacific Cup title.”
The men’s final kicks off at 6:05pm NZT on Sunday at CommBank Stadium in Sydney and will be watched closely across Porirua, where many families have strong ties to both teams.
Earlier in the day, the Kiwi Ferns take on the Jillaroos in the women’s final. After a narrow 10-4 loss last weekend, the Ferns have added former rugby sevens stars Tyla King and Tysha Ikenasio to sharpen their attack.
“We’re glad to have another crack,” said coach Ricky Henry. “We just need to tidy up a few small things and keep the pressure on.”
The finals cap off a month of fierce trans-Pacific competition, with Porirua homes, churches and clubs expected to come alive with flags, chants and family gatherings.
Kiwi Ferns gear up for Jillaroos rematch in Pacific Cup final
The Kiwi Ferns are set for a high-stakes showdown with the Australian Jillaroos in tonight’s Pacific Cup final in Sydney, with several fresh faces brought in to turn the tide.
Former sevens stars Tyla King and Tysha Ikenasio join the starting line-up, adding extra pace and composure to the Ferns squad. Their inclusion follows a narrow 10-4 loss to the Jillaroos last weekend in Auckland.
Coach Ricky Henry said the team is focused and ready to lift for the decider.
“We’re glad to have another crack,” Henry said. “We just need to tidy up a few small things and keep the pressure on.”
Tamika Upton returns at fullback for Australia, while Abbi Church keeps her spot after an impressive debut in the green and gold.
Among the players to watch is Alexis Tauaneai, who scored in last week’s clash and brings energy off the bench.
Kick-off is scheduled ahead of the men’s final, with Porirua’s strong rugby league community expected to rally behind the Kiwi Ferns as they chase Pacific Cup glory.