The 2025 Pacific Championships are off to a stunning start with the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns pushed to the limit by Samoa before coming up trumps while Fiji Bati and Cook Islands Moana also savoured first-up victories.
The men’s and women’s Pacific Bowl tournaments are being played over three consecutive weekends at Santos Stadium in Port Moresby and it was the Fiji Bati who struck the first blow with a 44-24 win over Cook Islands.
Wests Tigers flyer Bula ran for 173 metres and broke nine tackles on his way to a four-try haul in the Bati’s 20-point victory.
The women’s Bowl tournament began with Chantay Kiria-Ratu steering Cook Islands to a convincing win over the PNG Orchids.
On Sunday it was the Pacific Cup roaring into action in Auckland with the hometown Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns emerging victorious after two enthralling contests.
Kiwis five-eighth Dylan Brown and Fetu Samoa debutante Shalom Sauaso were the stars of the show while Mele Hufanga came up with the match-winning try for the Kiwi Ferns.
After trailing 20-0 at half-time and staring down the barrel of their first ever loss to any team besides the Jillaroos, Ricky Henry’s team dug deep and their class told in the end.
The Kiwi Ferns now have a week off before meeting arch-rivals Australia in an Eden Park showdown on November 2.
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An electric Siva Tau sets the challenge from Toa Samoa
The Jillaroos are the defending Pacific Cup champions as are their male counterparts, but the Kangaroos are missing this year’s tournament as they take on England in the Ashes.
That clears the path for Samoa, Tonga and New Zealand to stage a battle royale for supremacy.
The fast and furious action across the next three weekends takes us to CommBank Stadium on Sunday, November 9 for the Pacific Cup finals.
Be part of the action! Get your Pacific Championships tickets HERE
Pacific Championships Week 1
Bowl: Fiji Bati 44 beat Cook Islands Aitu 24 at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
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Bati v Aitu – Round 1, 2025
Judiciary: Taane Milne (Fiji Bati) – Grade 1 Careless High Tackle – 1st Offence.
Early plea: 7% of match fee. Guilty at panel: 10% of match fee
Cup: Kiwis 24 beat Toa Samoa 18 at Go Media Stadium, Auckland
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Kiwis v Toa Samoa – Round 1, 2025
Bowl: Cook Islands Moana 34 beat PNG Orchids 6 at Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby
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Orchids v Moana – Round 1, 2025
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Paulina’s perfect start
Judiciary: Jessikah Reeves (PNG) – Grade 1 Dangerous Contact – 1st Offence.
Early plea: Warning. Guilty at panel: 1 match ban.
Cup: Kiwi Ferns 22 beat Fetu Samoa 20 at Go Media Stadium, Auckland
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Kiwi Ferns v Fetu Samoa – Round 1, 2025
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Player of the Match: Shalom Sauaso
How it Works
Pacific Cup
All teams face each other once and the top two teams will meet in the Final.
Pacific Bowl
All teams face each other once and the top ranked team after the three rounds will be the winner of the Pacific Bowl.