Marlie Packer of England is challenged by Davina Lasini of Samoa during the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool A match between England and Samoa at Franklin's Gardens on 30 August, 2025 in Northampton, England. Photo: World Rugby via Getty Images
One last dance.
That's the story for both the Fijiana and Manusina Samoa national women's rugby sides at the Women's Rugby World Cup.
Two losses each in their last two matches means they are out of the main competition and will return home next week.
But before they get on the jet plane, the two sides will be battling for pride and country in their last pool matches on Sunday morning, New Zealand time.
Both teams have named their best available teams for the weekend's schedules.
Fiji will be missing tough hooker Bitila Tawake, suspended for four matches because of a red card she received against Scotland last weekend.
That meant head coach Ioan Cunningham has had to make changes to his matchday 23 for the Pool B match against Wales at Sandy Park on Sunday morning.
Coupled with injuries, Cunnigham has been forced to get in Karalaini Naisewa who comes in as loosehead prop, Keleni Marawa as hooker and Asinate Serevi in the second row.
A new wing pairing starts the game with Repeka Tove, who played against Canada in the opening pool game, returning to the right wing, while impact player Kolora Lomani steps up from the bench to the left wing.
Cunnigham told the media in Exeter he was proud of the growth seen in the team and knew the experience would only make them better.
"I've seen the growth in the team and the growth of individuals over the last three and a half months, which has been awesome," he said.
"Some of the back stories of the players is really inspiring, the journey they've been on and what they want to achieve, and when the team comes together and play for each other and play for their village it's powerful."
Captain Alfreda Fisher said the journey had been tough but they were excited to be playing together one more time at the event.
"I'm excited and a little bit emotional, because this is the last time we'll be together as a team," Fisher stated.
"It's been a tough few weeks of training, so we're really excited for this week. I know it's the last one, but we'll give our best and finish on a high."
(L-R) Alfreda Fisher, Loraini Senivutu, Bitila Tawake, Vika Matarugu and Jade Coates of Fiji line up for their national anthem prior to the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 Pool B match between Scotland and Fiji at the Salford Community Stadium on 30 August, 2025 in Salford, England. Photo: World Rugby via Getty Images
Wales have also indicated they will be wary of the Fijians, with head coach Sean Lynn expecting a tough clash.
"They put in a real strong performance against Scotland. It's going to be a real battle, and that's something we're all really excited for - we want to make sure we finish the tournament on a high," he told the media.
"It looks like both teams are going to throw the kitchen sink at each other. It's going to be a brilliant battle and I'm hoping we come out on top, but I've asked the girls to come off [the pitch] crawling.
"They're very exciting when they've got the ball in hand, and it's just making sure that when we've got the ball in hand, we're looking after it, going through the phases and testing them in defence as well."
The clash kicks off at 1.45am on Sunday.
The Fijiana match-day 23 to face Wales: 1. Karalaini Naisewa, 2. Keleni Marawa, 3. Vika Matarugu, 4. Jade Coates, 5. Asinate Serevi, 6. Nunia Daunimoala, 7. Alfreda Fisher (Captain), 8. Manuqalo Komaitai, 9. Setaita Railumu, 10. Salanieta Kinita, 11. Kolora Lomani, 12. Josifini Neihamu, 13. Verenaisi Ditavutu, 14. Repeka Adi Tove, 15. Litiana Vueti; Bench: 16. Selai Naliva, 17. Carletta Yee, 18. Tiana Robanakadavu, 19. Mereoni Nakesa, 20. Sulita Waisega, 21. Repeka Mata, 22. Kelerayani Luvu, 23. Adi Salote Nailolo.
Tough clash against USA
Samoa head coach Ramsey Tomokino knows the USA are clear favourites but he is also confident with the players he has named for the match.
The women Eagles side will be wanting a good win so they can qualify for the quarterfinals.
Tomokino said their aim would be to disrupt the Americans.
"We understand the equation: USA needs points, and we're going to make that very difficult for them," he said.
"We're targeting to try and win and get some points, and put pressure on them. They'll be chasing points, and hopefully that will translate into us getting our own points. I sent a message to the Australia camp, saying we're going to do our bit for the region.
"I haven't taken too much notice of their changes, but we've had the benefit of watching their games back, as all teams do, so we know their strong points and where we want to attack them.
"I heard their coach saying they'll stick to the plan and process, and the rest will take care of itself in terms of points, so our plan and process is to do the exact opposite of that. Stretch them out a bit and put them under pressure. It's another opportunity to play a tier-one team. We had a good game with them a couple of years ago, and I believe we have the players to match them."
Changes made reflect the need to give everyone a taste of the world cup experience.
Tomokino said they had done that now.
"Everyone has played a game at a Rugby World Cup now, which is a huge opportunity for them and an experience they'll take home," he stated.
"We've got quite a young group, so the view is that they'll be better for the experience of having had a game here for World Cups to come."
United States of America head coach Sione Fukofuka has also made changes to his side.
The Tongan heritage coach had made two personnel changes and two positional changes to the starting XV from the 31-31 draw against Australia.
The game kicks off at 12.30am New Zealand time at the York Community Stadium.
The Manusina Samoa match-day 23 to face USA: 1.Denise Aiolupotea, 2. Avau Filimaua, 3. Tori Iosefo, 4. Ana-Lise Sio, 5. Demielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, 6. Utumalama Atonio, 7. Sui Pauaraisa (Captain), 8. Joanna Fanene Lolo, 9. Ana Afuie, 10. Karla Wright-Akeli, 11. Drenna Falaniko, 12. Harmony Vatau, 13. Keilamarita Pouri-Lane, 14. Lutia Col Aumua, 15. Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung; Bench: 16. Faith Nonutunu, 17. Ana Mamea, 18. Glory Aiono, 19. JayJay Taylor, 20. Nina Foaese, 21. Sinead Ryder, 22. Faalua Tugaga, 23. Fa'asua Makisi.
