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The stakes couldn’t be higher as Samoa and Fiji face off in a decisive Pacific Nations Cup Pool A clash this Friday, September 5. For both teams, this is more than just a group-stage game—it’s about pride, progression, and a shot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
For Samoa, the math is brutally simple. A win alone won’t be enough—they must secure five points to jump past Tonga in the standings and book their place in the semi-finals in Denver, Colorado. That means a bonus-point victory, either by scoring four or more tries or maintaining a margin of victory over seven points.
Samoa vs Fiji Match Details
Date: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Rotorua International Stadium, New Zealand
Streaming: World Rugby Platforms (Global)
Fail to meet that benchmark, and Samoa’s road to the World Cup becomes far more complicated. They would need to win a fifth-place playoff next weekend to grab a direct qualification ticket. Should they finish sixth, the path continues through a two-leg playoff against the Sudamérica Rugby runner-up—most likely Chile or Uruguay. Lose there, and it’s off to the final qualification tournament in Dubai in November.
This historic team, which has featured in every World Cup since 1991, is determined not to let that streak end.
Fiji Ready to Defend Their Title
On the other side, defending champions Fiji have already secured a semi-final berth. But that doesn’t mean they’re taking this match lightly. A commanding 32-10 win over Tonga last week reminded the rugby world of the Flying Fijians’ flair, physicality, and depth.
Head coach Mick Byrne was quick to praise the result but also pointed out areas for improvement.
“We were a bit loose in our breakdown and ball carries. This match gives us a chance to tighten those areas before the knockouts,” said Byrne.
Fiji’s mindset is focused on fine-tuning their attack and maintaining their unbeaten momentum heading into the semi-finals—and potentially, another title defense.
Team Lineups
Samoa Starting XV:
Aki Seiuli
Pita Anae Ah-Sue
Michael Alaalatoa (captain)
Ben Nee-Nee
Michael Curry
Taleni Seu
Alamanda Motuga
Iakopo Petelo-Mapu
Joel Lam
Rodney Iona
Tuna Tuitama
Henry Taefu
Melani Nanai
Elisapeta Alofipo
Lolagi Visinia
Bench: Luteru Tolai, Jarred Adams, Bradley Amituanai, Olajuwon Noa, Malaesaili Elato, Connor Tupai, AJ Alatimu, Tomasi Alosio
Fiji Starting XV:
Haereiti Hetet
Tevita Ikanivere (captain)
Samu Tawake
Isoa Nasilasila
Temo Mayanavanua
Etonia Waqa
Kitione Salawa
Elia Canakaivata
Simione Kuruvoli
Caleb Muntz
Ponipate Loganimasi
Seta Tamanivalu
Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
Kalaveti Ravouvou
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Bench: Zuriel Togiatama, Meli Tuni, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Motikiai Murray, Philip Baselala, Kemueli Valetini, Taniela Rakuro
Prediction & Final Word
Expect fireworks. Samoa will come out swinging, chasing tries and bonus points with urgency. Fiji, however, has the depth, discipline, and attacking structure to weather the storm and exploit open-field opportunities.
Prediction: Fiji 28 – Samoa 20
But whatever the result, rugby fans are in for a thrilling match that could shape the future of Pacific rugby on the world stage.