Get ready for a rugby league showdown! The 2025 Pacific Championships have reached their thrilling conclusion, with Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa battling for glory at CommBank Stadium. After weeks of intense competition, the stage is set for some unforgettable finals.
Women's Final: Jillaroos vs. Kiwi Ferns
The women's final promises an epic rematch between the Jillaroos and the Kiwi Ferns. These two teams clashed in a fiery dress rehearsal just last week, with the Jillaroos emerging victorious. With fullback Abbi Church shining on her Test debut and Julia Robinson dominating with 197 meters gained, the Jillaroos have a psychological edge heading into this crucial game.
Key Moments & Highlights:
- Jakiya's Justified Selection: Winger Jakiya Whitfeld, stepping in for Jess Sergis, proved her worth by running for 113 meters and setting up a try for Sergis. Sergis herself made the most of her opportunities, racking up 95 run meters and scoring her 11th Test try.
- Dominant First Half: The Jillaroos dominated, completing 16 of 21 sets and scoring four tries to take a commanding lead. The Kiwi Ferns, despite an 85% completion rate, struggled to convert their sets into points.
- 32nd Minute: A stunning play saw Jakiya Whitfeld set up Jess Sergis for a 70-meter run to the line, extending the Jillaroos' lead to 24-0.
- 25th Minute: A penalty against Annessa Biddle and a subsequent try by Keilee Joseph further widened the gap, with Jesse Southwell converting to make the score 18-0.
- Quinlan's Bin: Ash Quinlan was sent to the bin for a professional foul, adding to the Kiwi Ferns' woes.
- 13th Minute: Julia Robinson's Aerial Brilliance: Julia Robinson showcased her incredible aerial skills, scoring her 21st try in 13 Tests.
- 3rd Minute: Olivia Kernick's Early Strike: Olivia Kernick scored early, setting the tone for the Jillaroos with a try.
Team Lineups & Late Changes:
- Jillaroos: No late changes, with Tamika Upton returning from injury and Olivia Higgins starting at hooker. Jakiya Whitfeld starts on the wing.
- Kiwi Ferns: Tyla King replaces Leianne Tufuga, who is in head knock protocols, and Ash Quinlan is on the bench.
Numbers That Matter:
- The Jillaroos have conceded only 12 points in their last six Tests.
- The Kiwi Ferns have only won one of their past 11 games against the Jillaroos.
- The Jillaroos have scored 160 points to 8 in three Test appearances in 2025.
- The Ferns have won only one of their past five Tests on Australian soil.
- Jillaroos fullback Tamika Upton has scored 11 tries in her last five Test matches.
Men's Final: Kiwis vs. Samoa
In the men's competition, the Kiwis will face Samoa in the final. The Kiwis secured their spot with a dominant 40-14 win over Tonga XIII. This is a chance for Stacey Jones' men to claim their second Pacific Cup crown after their memorable 30-0 victory over Australia in 2023.
But here's where it gets controversial... The dominance of the Jillaroos in recent years begs the question: Is the gap between the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns widening?
And this is the part most people miss... The impact of individual performances, like Julia Robinson's, can be a game-changer.
What do you think? Will the Jillaroos continue their dominance, or can the Kiwi Ferns stage an upset? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
