Pasifika rugby on the world stage

Pasifika rugby teams competing in two World Rugby events over the next month certainly puts the focus on island rugby.

It is definitely an opportune time for the island teams to stake their claims to be considered amongst the best in the world.

This year's Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) series, which is going to involve Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, also doubles as qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup (RWC).

The PNC will be played again in its Pacific and Asia or Pool A/Pool B format, where the Pacific pool includes the island unions while Asia or Pool B has Canada, Japan and United States of America.

Pacific teams will play against each other while the Asia zone will also have their round-robin matches.

Once that is completed the teams would have been decided on their placing from 1 to 3, which will then see the third placed teams playing off against each other.

Whichever team wins that will join the top two teams who will make it through to the semi-finals, since Fiji and Japan have already qualified for the '27 event in Australia.

The 2025 Women's RWC will feature Fijiana of Fiji and Manusina of Samoa, the two best island teams.

Fijiana is returning after their 2023 showing, while Manusina will have their whole 23 member squad making their world cup debuts.

Manusina is in Pool A of the competition, alongside Australia, England and USA.

Fijiana is in Pool B with Canada, Scotland and Wales.

Both events will kick off this weekend and run for at least a month.

Fijiana and Manusina ready to make World Cup mark

Both the Fijiana and Manusina camps have named their strongest available teams for their opening matches.

Manusina kicks off their campaign at 11pm on Saturday, New Zealand time, against the Wallaroos of Australia.

Manusina coach Mataafa Ramsey Tomokino has named Keilamarita (kay-lah-mah-reeta) Pouri Lane and Madisen-Jade Iva to make their international debuts against Australia in Manchester.

Tomokino said from the team's camp they have done their preparations and are ready to go out and face the much-fancied Australians.

"We are the underdogs," he said.

"I know Australia will come hard at us and will be wanting to run through us to win the game to kick start their campaign.

"But we will play our own game, play with our strengths and hopefully we will be able to compete well."

Tomokino acknowledges the job for them will be tough, pointing to the gap in playing warm-up test matches during the preparation period as a big difference.

"They were able to play some top test matches while we only had Oceania against Fiji and Tonga, but we have prepared the best we have been able to and the players are all eager to go out and play," he stated.

Inspirational captain Masuisuimatamaalii Tauaua-Pauaraisa, who is the most capped player in the side, said she was excited about the opportunity and believes the players are all set for the big game.

"We have build our bonds as a team and our sisterhood, and worked hard to raise our levels individually and as a team," she said.

"The focus is on what we need to do and we will go out and give our best shot.

"We are thankful to be representing Samoa and our people and that is something that keeps driving us. knowing that we have the support of our families, our fans and our country behind us."

Fijiana head coach Ioan Cunnigham has named a side that has experience and flair, to be led by 21 year old Alfreda Fisher as captain.

Fiji meet Canada at 4.30am Sunday (NZ time) at the York Community Stadium in York.

Bitila Tawake, Jade Coates, Asinate Serevi, Tiana Robanakadavu and Vika Matarugu are some of the key players in the side, and their experience will be critical in helping the team against Canada.

Canada are ranked number two in the world and their form during the Pacific Series against Australia, New Zealand and USA leaves them above Fiji as favourites in the game.

Cunnigham said their aim is to beat Canada or do well against them.

Fiji Rugby has confirmed the Fijiana 15s line-up for their highly anticipated opening match of women's Rugby World Cup 2025 against Canada, scheduled for Saturday, 24 August at York Community Stadium in England.

This will be Fijiana's second Rugby World Cup appearance, while Canada enters its 10th tournament.

On current world rankings, Fijiana is at 14.

Cunningham knows one of the key areas for the side will be to play their trademark flair and fighting spirit against one of the world's most consistent sides.

On his team selection for the opening match, he said rewarding form and consistency was major in that.

"Rewarding performances was one key factor in selecting the team for this match," he said.

"Players who have been performing well and consistently deserve the opportunity."

While Canada's powerful and structured style poses a challenge, the Fijiana will focus on their own strengths.

"I don't think we can select to combat the style of rugby that Canada play," he said.

"We have to focus on ourselves and our strengths - what we can do well to put pressure on Canada and create scoring opportunities. Canada are a very good team, so our focus has to be on us."

Interestingly, Cunningham has gone for 21 year old Fisher as captain, adding there is a group of leaders who help out, with the players given the freedom to play their best.

"Leadership plays a big role within the team, but our focus and challenge are to stay in the present moment and win each moment," he said.

"We want our players to go out, express themselves, and show the world what incredible athletes we have."

Young players on the list include Selai Naliva, Kelerayani Luvu, and Salote Nailolo.

"The young players deserve their opportunity," Cunningham said.

"They have brought energy to the team. The modern game demands high energy and work rate - this is what the young players give us.

"It's a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world. And there's no better way to do that than in a Rugby World Cup.

"We will give it our all and leave everything out on the field."

Both Manusina and Fijiana camps said they are counting on fans in England to come out and support them, also confident of home and overseas support.

Manusina v Australia

Kick-off: 11:00pm Satruday, 23 Augusts

Manchester

Manusina: 1. Ana Mamea, 2. Avau Filimaua, 3. Glory Aiono, 4. Ana-Lise Sio,5. Demielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, 6. Sinead Ryder, 7. Sui Pauaraisa (captain), 8. Utumalama Atonio, 9. Ana Afuie, 10. Harmony Vatau, 11. Drenna Falaniko, 12. Fa'asua Makisi, 13. Keilamarita Pouri-Lane, 14. Lutia Col Aumua, 15.Karla Wright-Akeli; Bench: 16. Cathy Lulu Leuta, 17. Denise Aiolupotea, 18. Tori Iosefo, 19. Jayjay Taylor, 20. Madisen Jade Iva, 21. Christabella Onesemo, 22. Melina Salale, 23. Faalua Tugaga

Fijiana v Canada

Kick-off: 4:30am Sunday, 24 August

York Community Stadium, York

Fijiana: 1. Loraini Senivutu, 2, Bitila Tawake, 3. Tiana Robanakadavu, 4.Jade Coates, 5. Mereoni Nakesa, 6. Nunia Daunimoala, 7. Alfreda Fisher (captain), 8. Manuqalo Komaitai, 9. Setaita Railumu,10. Salanieta Kinita, 11. Repeka Tove, 12. Josifini Neihamu, 13. Ema Adivitaloga, 14. Ilisapeci Delaiwau, 15. Litiana Vueti; Bench: 16. Selai Naliva, 17. Wainikiti Vasuturaga, 18. Vika Matarugu, 19. Asinate Serevi, 20. Karalaini Naisewa, 21. Kolora Lomani, 22. Kelerayani Luvu, 23. Salote Nailolo.

Road to 2027 for Samoa and Tonga men's sides

There is no denying the fact that both Manu Samoa and the 'Ikale Tahi are both focused on securing world cup spots at the PNC.

Manu Samoa head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi has named his strongest Manu Samoa team available to tackle Tonga's Ikale Tahi in a Pacific Nations Cup match on Saturday.

Pisi and the team have been in Nuku'alofa since Monday afternoon.

His lineup includes a number of players from the American league, plus a few who have secured their release from their European and French clubs.

Captain Theodore MacFarland, Michael Alaalatoa, Samuela Slade, Taleni Seu, Melani Matavao, Tuna Tuitama and Henry Taefu will be key players in the team's campaign in Tonga on Saturday.

Physical and brutal is what the match is expected to be - the hallmark of any Pacific rugby clash.

Pisi said they will take their chances and play for Samoa, with their focus on getting into the world cup in 2027.

"This match carries enormous significance, not only as the latest chapter in the long-standing rivalry between

Samoa and Tonga, but also as a decisive step towards qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia," Pisi said in Nuku'alofa.

"This is more than just a Test Match. It's about the pride of our people, our families, and our place at the Rugby

World Cup in 2027.

"Tonga will be a fierce opponent, but our players are ready to embrace the challenge and

represent Samoa with heart and courage."

The Tongans understand what Samoa will bring to Te'ufaiva Stadium.

Head coach Tevita Tuifua and assistant Nili Latu have been in numerous battles against their fellow Polynesians in the past.

They know how tough their battles have always been,

Tuifua said brains and sticking to their game plan will be critical.

"I guess that's where the game will be won, using mental as an edge and sticking to our basics and game plan," he said.

"It is going to be a physical clash throughout, it will be demanding physically and mentally so our players will have to be up to par."

The 'Ikale Tahi have 12 players from the 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign in the team to face Manu Samoa.

The list includes prop pairings Ben Tameifuna, who will lead the side, and Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, former All Black Charles Piutai, who will run in at fullback, former Warriors star Solomone Kata at outside centre, flyhalf Patrick Pellegrini and winger Fine Inisi.

Lock Halaleva Fifita makes a return along with flanker Tanginoa Halaifonua.

Veterean halfback Sonatane Takulua has come out of retirement to assist Tonga's campaign.

'Ikale Tahi v Manu Samoa

Kick-off: 2:00pm NZT

Te'ufaiva Stadium, Nuku'alofa

Tonga: 1 Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, 2 Siua Maile, 3 Ben Tameifuna; 4 Halaleva Fifita, 5 Harison Mataele; 6 Tanginoa Halaifonua, 7 Siosiua Moala, 8 Lotu Inisi; 9 Sonatane Takulua, 10 Patrick Pellegrini; 11 John Tapueluelu, 12 Fetuli Paea, 13 Solomone Kata, 14 Fine Inisi; 15 Salesi Piutau; Bench: 16 Samiuela Moli, 17 Salesi Tuifua, 18 Solomone Tukuafu, 19 Tupou Afungia, 20 Fotu Lokotui, 21 Augustine Pulu, 22 Josiah Unga, 23 Nikolai Foliaki.

Samoa: 1 Aki Seiuli, 2 Pita Anae-Ah Sue, 3 Michael Alaalatoa; 4 Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee, 5 Samuel Slade; 6 Taleni Seu, 7 Theo McFarland, 8 Iakopo Mapu; 9 Melani Matavao, 10 AJ Alatimu; 11 Tuna Tuitama, 12 Henry Taefu, 12 Melani Nanai 14 Tomasi Alosio; 15 Lolagi Visinia; Bench: 16 Luteru Tolai, 17 Jarred Adams, 18 Bradley So'o Amituanai, 19 Michael Curry, 20 Olajuwon Noa, 21 Joel Lam, 22 Rodney Iona, 23 Elisapeta Alofipo.

Meanwhile, the Asia or Pool B competition will open with Canada hosting USA at the McMahon Stadium on Sunday morning.

Whichever team wins this match in Calgary will gain a potentially decisive advantage on qualification for the Men's 2027 Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.