America First Field in Sandy, Utah, played host to the Pacific Nations Cup final where the Flying Fijians and the Brave Blossoms have battled it out for the 2025 title.

Both teams produced some exhilarating rugby at times, with Fiji showcasing their world-class offloading and attacking ability to overcome a tough Japan side, 33-27.

Mesake Vocevoce and Joji Nasova were the standouts f0r the Flying Fijians, while Simione Kuruvoli and Tevita Ikanivere’s leadership in steering them around the field proved to be the difference on Sunday.

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Japan’s Hayate Era was impressive in the first half, going close to scoring an early double, that could’ve changed the complexity of the outcome if Japan were to extend their early first half lead.

Japan’s captain and new Hurricanes lock Warner Dearns had a busy performance with eight carries and twelve tackles, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough for Japan to get the job done.

The 2025 Pacific Nations Cup final started with a hiss and a roar with both teams showcasing their physical intent in the first couple of minutes.

Japan were given the first opportunity of the game through a high tackle by Kalaveti Ravouvou, as Japan sent the resulting penalty into the corner for a lineout drive.

Star Japan lock Warner Dearns was the target at the lineout, bringing it down to Amato Fakatava who quickly shifted it shortside, before firing a pass to hooker Hayate Era.

Era still had a bit of work to do with ball in hand, so he skipped past one, and snuck through a couple of last ditch tackles to score the opening try in the final.

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Seungsin Lee’s conversion from the sideline was successful, giving Japan a 7-0 lead after just five minutes.

Shortly after the opening try the teams started to get into their rythym, bringing players into the game and creating go forward with ball in hand.

Eddie Jones’ Japan started to dominate at scrumtime in the first 20 minutes, winning a couple of crucial penalties in their own end, often helping them get out of trouble.

A couple of minutes later, Japan were hot on attack as Shinobu Fujiwara continued to get quick and efficient ball from the base of the ruck.

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Fujiwara fired a perfectly weighted pass to Era who absolutely threw himself at the defence, before reaching out and seemingly place the ball down on the Fijian line.

The big screen replay showed that Era had initially placed it short, so they went back to the penalty which Lee made easy work of, 10-0 Japan.

On the resulting kickoff by Fiji, Ponipate Loganimasi leaped up to contest, hitting it back to Etonia Waqa who charged deep inside the 22.

Waqa quickly handed it off to Mesake Vocevoce who strode towards the line to put the ball down and get Fiji back into the game.

Fiji’s first try seemed to ignite the rest of their team as they launched an attack from their own 22 off a Japan ruck error.

Some incredible skills by multiple Fijian forwards put Vocevoce through a gaping hole in Japan’s defence, before his opposition numer, Dearns, chased him down to stop a certain try.

Vocevoce freed his arms, and offloaded it behind his back to teammate Taniela Rakuro, before Fiji shifted it quickly to left side to exploit the Japan defence.

Inia Tabuavou was the next one to break the line, managing to reach out and give the Flying Fijian’s their first lead of the game in the 31st minute.

In almost a carbon copy of their last try, Fiji made a break down the right hand touchline before back-to-back offloads put Fiji captain and inspirational leader Tevita Ikanivere through to score close to the posts.

Three minutes later, on the stroke of halftime, live wire winger Joji Nasova got his hands on the ball in the middle of the field with nothing doing.

One Japanese defender rushed up though, but Nasova quickly stepped past him, burst through a small gap in the Japan defence, before stepping off the left foot and fending one last defender to score a world-class try.

Fiji first-five Caleb Muntz converted the try from right in front, extending their lead to 16 at halftime.

HT: 26-10 to the Flying Fijians.

The second half in Utah picked up right where the first left off, with Fiji creating opportunity after opportunity with ball in hand.

A long cutout ball by Tabuavou put Nasova through a gap, before some link up with Simione Kuruvoli gifted Nasova one of the easiest tries he’ll score under the posts.

Muntz’s conversion from in front sailed straight over the posts, extending their lead to 33-10 after 44 minutes.

Some nice interplay from Tomoki Osada and Ichigo Nakakusu gave Japan a glimmer of hope with just over 20 minutes to go, with Nakakusu finding some open space to dot down for Japan’s first try in the second half.

That glimmer of hope turned into a genuine opportunity to get back in the contest, as Fijian loose forward Viliame Mata was yellow carded for cynical play.

Five minutes after the yellow card to Mata, Japan’s forward pack rolled up their sleeves with a lineout drive, which resulted in Era finally, and deservingly, getting his second try of the final.

A third infringement in a row shortly after for Fiji resulted in another yellow card for Mick Byrne’s side, with prop Eroni Mawi spending ten minutes in the bin.

For the final ten minutes of the final, Fiji were trying to hold on to their six point lead, while a converted try for the Brave Blossoms would give them the Pacific Nations Cup title.

It was a tense last few minutes, but Fiji managed to keep the ball in hand to win them the Pacific Nations Cup title, for the second time in a row.

FT: 33-27 to the Flying Fijians.

New Zealand have set up a showdown with Samoa in the Pacific Cup final with a comprehensive victory over Tonga at Eden Park. The Kiwis will now face Samoa at CommBank Stadium next Sunday as they look to replicate their 2023 Pacific Championships triumph. New Zealand were near flawless on Sunday afternoon, running in four first-half tries to silence more than 38,000 red-clad fans and jump out to a 24-2 lead at the break. While Tonga attempted to mount a comeback, the Kiwis were clinical in the second to close out a 40-14 victory. It was a mixed afternoon for New Zealand, after the Jillaroos secured a tense 10-4 win over the Kiwi Ferns earlier in the day. Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos – Week 3, 2025 After trailing 10-0 midway through the second half, the hosts mounted a rally however the comeback bid fell short. Jillaroos rookie Abbi Church was named player of the match after an impressive debut performance that featured a crucial try. Australia and New Zealand will face off one more time in seven days, with the two teams to do battle in next week’s Pacific Cup final at CommBank Stadium. Follow all the Pacific Championships action on NRL.com’s live blog. Men’s Pacific Cup: Kiwis v Tonga XIII

Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Kiwis v Tonga XIII – Week 3, 2025 Press Conferences Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Pacific Championships Press Conference: Kiwis v Tonga – Week 3, 2025 Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Brown named player of the match Full-time: New Zealand fans, it’s time to get your tickets to the Pacific Cup final. The Kiwis have booked their place in next Sunday’s decider at CommBank Stadium with a commanding 40-14 victory over Tonga at Eden Park. The hosts were near flawless in the first half to jump out to a 24-2 lead at the break and they closed the game out in the second half. Kiwis 40 – Tonga 14. Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Daniel Tupou Try 76th minute: Tonga have given their fans something to celebrate and the 38,000 spectators at Eden Park have erupted after Daniel Tupou made a spectacular one-handed grab before launching himself through the air to score in the corner. Kiwis 40 – Tonga 14 Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Phoenix Crossland Try 72nd minute: Now Phoenix Crossland is getting in on the action for the second try of his international career. Dylan Brown produced a quick play the ball, Te Maire Martin darted from dummy half before throwing a spectacular offload to the hooker for the Kiwis’ seventh try of the match. Kiwis 40 – Tonga 8. Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Dylan Brown 2nd Try 65th minute: Dylan Brown has a double and it’s come in unusual circumstances. Isaiah Papali’i poked his nose through the Tongan defensive line before offloading to Casey McLean. McLean drew the fullback before throwing the ball back inside. Will Penisini produced a desperate lunge to knock the ball down, but Brown was chasing through in support and pounced on the loose ball to score the try that puts this contest to bed. Kiwis 36 – Tonga 8. 61st minute: We are off to the Bunker, with Isaiah Papali’i looking to burrow his way over from dummy half. The on-field decision is held up and the Kiwis forward got incredibly close to grazing the grass but the Tongan defenders did just enough to prevent the try. Kiwis 30 – Tonga 8. Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad Try 53rd minute: In the blink of an eye, all the Tongan hard work has come undone. The visitors allowed the kick off to hit the deck and it bounced over the dead-ball line, handing possession straight back to New Zealand. The Kiwis didn’t need a second invitation and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad capitalised to extend his side’s lead. Kiwis 30 – Tonga 8. Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Demitric Vaimauga Try 50th minute: The Tongan comeback has begun. An error by Casey McLean put the visitors on the attack and they capitalised when Demitric Vaimauga latched on to a Soni Luke pass and crashed over. The try came in the final minute of Erin Clark’s stint in the sin bin and provided six crucial points before the Kiwis return to 13 men. Kiwis 26 – Tonga 8. 44th minute: The lead is back to 24 after Jamayne Isaako slotted a simple penalty goal for the Kiwis. The penalty came on the back of a powerful Naufahu Whyte charge, with the prop breaking through the defensive line before eventually being dragged down by Lehi Hopoate. Kiwis 26 – Tonga 2. Kick-off: New Zealand were almost perfect in the first half but they will have to start the second with just 12 men after Erin Clark was sent to the sin bin on the stroke of half-time. Clark’s absence opens up a potentially dangerous period for the hosts, and they will need to withstand a Tongan storm to maintain their advantage. Kiwis 24 – Tonga 2. Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Clark sent to the bin Half-time: An interesting end to the half, with Isaiya Katoa kicking a penalty goal after time expired to score Tonga’s first points. The visitors were looking to play fast when Erin Clark held a player down in the tackle as the clocked ticked towards zero. Ashley Klein showed no hesitation in sending Clark to the sin bin and the door is slightly ajar for Tonga if they can regroup at the break. Kiwis 24 – Tonga 2. Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Matthew Timoko Try 37th minute: That is a heavy blow on the stroke of half-time. Tonga received a pair of penalties to generate an attacking opportunity, but a loose pass from Will Penisini handed possession straight back to the Kiwis. The hosts capitalised, forcing a line dropout before Matt Timoko stepped his way to the try line for a crucial four-pointer as the clock ticks down. Kiwis 24 – Tonga 0. Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Casey McLean Try 30th minute: It’s all one-way traffic at Eden Park and Casey McLean has produced a superb play to finish off a spectacular New Zealand try. Jamayne Isaako started the move down the right edge, racing down field before he was eventually dragged down. Dylan Brown then kicked to the left wing, with McLean soaring through the air to catch the ball before reaching out and slamming the ball down. The youngster now has seven tries in just three Tests for the Kiwis. Kiwis 18 – Tonga 0. Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Dylan Brown Try 25th minute: New Zealand continue to press their advantage and Dylan Brown has spotted some tiring defenders, straightened, accelerated and burst his way through the Tongan defensive line to score his side’s second. Kiwis 12 – Tonga 0. 21st minute: We’re off to the Bunker, with Isaiah Papali’i claiming New Zealand’s second. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad went up to contest for a bomb, but the ball went forward off his arm before Papali’i picked up the loose ball. Tonga survive. Kiwis 6 – Tonga 0. Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Keano Kini Try 19th minute: They’ve come close to breaking through on multiple occasions and now New Zealand have the first points of the afternoon. It was a long range effort, with Keano Kini sending Casey McLean away down the left flank. The fullback backed up in support and received the pass back on the inside to complete a 90-metre try. Kiwis 6 – Tonga 0. Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next The Kiwis fire a warning shot 12th minute: New Zealand have dominated the opening exchanges, with a Tonga error handing the hosts possession. After coming close down the left flank earlier in the game, the Kiwis attacked down the right edge. Centre Matthew Timoko came close, but he too was bundled into touch. The Tongan cause has been dealt a blow, with Eli Katoa leaving the field for an HIA after copping a stray elbow from a teammate a few minutes ago. Kiwis 0 – Tonga 0. Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Great Tongan defence 5th minute: A fortuitous deflection has handed New Zealand the first attacking set of the game, however the Tongan defence is up to the task. Casey McLean looked destined to score in the corner, but he was quickly swamped by the cover defence and bundled into touch. The inclusion of Keano Kini has prompted a backline reshuffle for the Kiwis. While he was named on the wing, Kini is playing fullback, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad shifting to centre and McLean to the wing. Kiwis 0 – Tonga 0. Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Tonga summon the Red Sea Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Unleashing Mana Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Absolute scenes in Auckland Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Katoa cops huge shot in warmup Kick-off: More than 30,000 fans have packed into Eden Park to turn the venue into a sea of red. The Tongans are looking to ride on the wave of fan support as they chase a win by 18+ points to book their place in the Pacific Cup final. There was plenty of emotion on display from both sides during the national anthems before Tonga performed the Sipi Tau and New Zealand the Haka to set the stage for what will be an epic contest. There was drama in the warmup for Tonga when Eli Katoa collided with a teammate, but he is set to take his place in the starting side. Kiwis 0 – Tonga 0. Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Brown ready to light up the Fortress Stat Attack Kiwis centre Casey McLean has scored six tries in two Test appearances.

Jason Taumalolo will make his 20th Test appearance for Tonga.

Kiwi captain James Fisher-Harris will make his 20th Test appearance.

Tonga return to Eden Park for the first time since their landmark 16-12 win over Australia in 2019.

Interchange Te Maire Martin returns to the Kiwis line-up for the first time since 2018. Late Mail Kiwis: A change 24 hours before kick-off with Seb Kris dropping out of the side and Keano Kini the new replacement for Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee). Meanwhile, Jeremy Marshall-King (thumb) is sidelined so Phoenix Crossland is the new starting hooker. Warriors utility Te Maire Martin and Broncos forward Xavier Willison have been added to the bench. Having previously played one Test for Cook Islands in 2022, Willison earns his first cap for New Zealand. Nelson Asofa-Solomona drops out of the reserves with Scott Sorensen the new 18th man. No further changes in Sunday’s team update. Up Next / Cancel Replay Play Next Taumalolo braced for a Tongan takeover Tonga XIII: Kristian Woolf has rejigged his forward pack 60 minutes out from kick-off. Moeaki Fotuaika moves from the bench to start at prop, with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki into the second row from the extended squad. Felise Kaufusi and Siua Wong shift to the bench, with Leka Halasima reverting to 18th man. Will Penisini joins the side at centre on Saturday with Tolutau Koula dropping out. Skipper Jason Taumalolo (knee) is back on deck after missing the Samoa showdown but centre Rob Toia (foot) and prop Stefano Utoikamanu (concussion) are both sidelined. Panthers star Paul Alamoti comes in at centre. Women’s Pacific Cup: Kiwi Ferns v Jillaroos

After Tonga opened their 2025 Pacific Nations Cup account with an upset win over Manu Samoa, they travelled to Suva looking to produce another upset against the tournament’s 2024 champions, Fiji, in round 2.

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Fiji had a bye week in round one and opened their title defence campaign with some classic Fijian rugby, scoring a couple of electric long-range tries to keep scoreboard pressure on Tonga for much of the afternoon. While Tonga stayed within reach on the scoreboard for large stretches, the Fijians’ class came through in the end to secure a 32-10 win.

The afternoon got off to a superb start for the visitors, with Augustine Pulu slicing through the Fijian defence after just three minutes to score the opening points of the contest.

A John Tapueluelu knock-on off the restart gave Fiji the chance to launch their attack from a scrum, and they did so with penalty advantage. A handful of phases later, Fiji had swung play from one touchline to the other and back again as Tonga gave away another penalty. Caleb Muntz stepped up to claim the three points on offer.

Tongan indiscipline helped Fiji get back into scoring position shortly after play resumed, with Tonga’s No. 8 Siosiua Moala being sent to the sin bin for a side entry in a rolling maul. A knock-on ended the Fijian attacking play.

Attack 177 Passes 63 109 Ball Carries 54 327m Post Contact Metres 116m 6 Line Breaks 1

Tonga pushed play back deep into Fijian territory, but even 10 metres from their own line, the Fijian attack was dangerous. The ball went wide to Ponipate Loganimasi, whose speed got his team to halfway before offloading for the midfield partnership of Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and former All Black Seta Tamanivalu to finish the long-range try.

Fiji soon produced a second try that was very similar to their first, with a handling error close to the Tongan line sending play back into their own half, only to break the game open from there. The ball was put through the hands, and Kalaveti Ravouvou finished the effort with a powerful right-foot step to shed the last defenders.

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Fiji’s scrum was dominant, but their accuracy started to falter in the second quarter, with breakdown penalties and more handling errors slowing their momentum. Tonga, on the other hand, struggled to capitalise with lineout woes of their own.

The half ended with a penalty goal from Tonga’s marksman, Patrick Pellegrini, which made it a one-score game heading into the break. Halftime score: 17-10, advantage Fiji.

Strong Tongan defence broke down Fiji’s rolling maul and then held them up over the line early in the second period. Heavy collisions and set-piece accuracy dictated much of the third quarter. Fiji emerged from the period with another three points courtesy of a Tongan tackle off the ball.

Both sides’ defence had found their feet in the contest, and it wasn’t until the 62nd minute that another try was scored.

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It came via a piece of aerial brilliance from Ponipate Loganimasi, who soared above his Tongan opposite to claim a cross-field kick before finding Tevita Ikanivere in support, with the hooker taking the ball to the try line to score.

22m Entries Avg. Points Scored 2.4 12 Entries Avg. Points Scored 1.4 5 Entries

Any hopes of a Tongan comeback were all but dashed when Fiji scored from another tactical kick. In addition to awarding the try, the referee handed Siosiua Moala his second yellow card, resulting in a red card, for the same side entry infringement the No. 8 was guilty of earlier in the contest.

Fiji couldn’t execute with their two final scoring opportunities, and although Tonga managed to get over the line on the stroke of full-time, the try was ruled out for an earlier knock-on. Final score: Fiji 32, Tonga 10.

Game two of the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup saw Tonga host Samoa, and it was a match that delivered all the high-tempo, heavy collision rugby the Pacific nations are known for.

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After Canada upset the USA in the opening game of the day, it was Tonga’s turn to claim victory over a team sitting above them in the world rankings, and they did so in quite convincing fashion.

The ‘Ikale Tahi started well, with a short lineout move seeing hooker Siua Maile recollect the ball and sprint down the right edge. From that position, Tonga were able to claim the opening points of the game as Ben Tameifuna gave Siosiua Moala a hand getting over the line.

Tonga were hungry at the breakdown early, and Samoa struggled to keep them out of the contest. Collisions were heavy, and possession also changed hands as both teams spilled the ball in contact.

The Tongan lead was extended to 10 when Tameifuna won a breakdown penalty and Patrick Pellegrini nailed the penalty goal.

It was from another lineout that Tonga scored their next try, after competing on a Samoan throw and causing the ball to go loose. Sonatane Takulua was on hand to pounce as the ball bounced and he dashed towards, and over the try line.

The set piece battle was relatively even to start the match, but Manu Samoa’s first points of the game came via a scrum penalty 30 minutes in. A breakdown penalty allowed Tonga to respond minutes later with three points of their own.

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The game broke open just shy of halftime, with the Tongan attack breaking the line from deep in their own territory, but after 60 metres and a couple of superb offloads, Melani Matavao managed to intercept the ball and chip ahead. The halfback was taken out after the kick, and Samoa took the three points on offer.

The hosts owned a 20-6 lead at the break.

Samoan inaccuracies kept play largely in their own half to start the second period, and while Tonga put some dynamic attack together, their handling let them down and stalled their momentum.

Both sides looked dangerous when they were able to get the ball wide, and it was through that expansive ball movement that Samoa finally got their first scoring opportunity in the second period, after 20 minutes.

Tuna Tuitama got the ball on the edge and put a chip kick through, forcing Tonga to ground the ball in-goal. From the ensuing scrum, Samoa started battering away at the Tongan defence, chewing through 11 phases before Tuitama was rewarded with a try on the other wing.

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Down 12 with 15 minutes remaining in the game, Samoa were within reach, but made life more difficult for themselves with a late tackle, allowing Pellegrini to claim another three points for Tonga.

Samoa’s hopes for a win all but sank when they were penalised for playing the halfback, giving Tonga a lineout 10 metres from their line. With that opportunity, Tonga rumbled forward, and Samiuela Moli scored.

Manu Samoa had the last contribution in the match with a superbly worked try finished in the corner by Melani Nanai, but it was too little, too late. Full-time score: 30-16 to Tonga.

So, where can you watch the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025? Tonight (Friday, 22nd August) the 10th edition of the Women’s Rugby World Cup gets underway in Sunderland, with the best players on the planet descending for what promises to be a landmark tournament.

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The tournament kicks off in Sunderland on Friday with England facing the USA at the Stadium of Light, and concludes with the final at a sold-out Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on September 27.

Here is all you need to know for where you can watch every game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup:

Where can I watch in the UK and Ireland?

The BBC will carry coverage throughout the tournament in the United Kingdom, with games available live across their television and digital platforms.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe – The Threads That Bind Us Emotive new short film features Woodman-Wickliffe’s Mount Albert Grammar School pupils speaking about the New Zealand rugby legend ahead of kick-off at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe – The Threads That Bind Us Emotive new short film features Woodman-Wickliffe’s Mount Albert Grammar School pupils speaking about the New Zealand rugby legend ahead of kick-off at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

In Ireland, RTÉ will be the home of the tournament, bringing fans every moment from pool stage to final.

Where can I watch in Europe?

French fans can follow the action on TF1 and France TV, with coverage also extending to Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg and French-speaking Switzerland.

In Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland, matches will be shown on JOYN.

Czech Republic and Slovakia viewers can tune in via NOVA, while Georgia will be served by 1TV.

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RAI will broadcast in Italy alongside RugbyPass TV, while Dutch fans can watch on Ziggo.

Portugal will have SPORT TV and RugbyPass TV, and in Spain matches will air on Movistar and RTVE.

Where can I watch in Africa and the Middle East?

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, SuperSport will show all the action, while fans in the Middle East and North Africa can tune into STARZPLAY.

Where can I watch in Asia?

Japanese fans can watch via JSPORTS and RugbyPass TV.

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In South East Asia, beIN Sports will provide coverage, while in Taiwan, fans can watch with ELTA.

Where can I watch in the Americas?

In the USA, CBS Sports will broadcast select games, with full coverage available on Paramount+.

Canada will split coverage between TSN (English) and RDS (French).

In Latin America and the Caribbean, matches will be shown on Disney+.

Where can I watch in Oceania?

Fans in Australia can follow along via Nine (select games) and Stan Sport.

In New Zealand, Sky Sport will provide comprehensive coverage.

Pacific Islands coverage will be available on Fiji TV (Fiji), TV3 (Samoa), Tonga BC (Tonga) and TTV (Solomon Islands).

Where can the rest of the world watch?

For fans in territories not covered above, RugbyPass TV will stream matches live across the globe. Don’t forget to download the RugbyPass TV app.