In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Western Force go down to Drua in thriller as NRL star Lomax debuts
2. RUGBY — Tupaea, Taumoefolau torment Moana Pasifika for monster Chiefs win
3. FOOTBALL — Bula FC enjoy home comforts with narrow win
4. FOOTBALL — Germain Haewegene the hero as Tahiti United hammer Solomon Kings
5. FOOTBALL —PNG secures place in FIFA women’s World Cup 2027 Oceania qualifiers final
6. FOOTBALL — Auckland FC come from behind to win tip of the table clash
7. FOOTBALL — Dominant NZ see off Fiji to confirm final place
8. RUGBY LEAGUE— Fit Taumalolo lays platform for Cowboys resurgence
9. RUGBY —Hoskins Sotutu opens up on All blacks snub and gives blunt verdict on England prospects
10. RUGBY — A rousing Reds win over the Crusaders built on attitude and big moments
11. RUGBY— Wallaroos sunk in Sacramento as wet weather, Canada dominate Pacific Four opener,
PAC – RUGBY: SUPER RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 14 Apr 2026
Western Force go down to Drua in thriller as NRL star Lomax debuts
LAUTOKA, 13 APRIL 2026 (SUPER RUGBY) —Zac Lomax has been unable to inspire the Western Force to victory in his professional rugby union debut as they went down to the Fijian Drua 24-22 in a thriller in Lautoka.
Ex-NRL and State of Origin star Lomax looked comfortable after coming off the bench to the wing in the 60th minute before a raucous Fiji crowd, five weeks after signing his two-year deal with next year’s home World Cup front of mind.
Lomax registered 40 run metres and two clean breaks but did not get to enjoy a winning debut after five eighth Ben Donaldson missed with a long-range penalty attempt in the 80th minute that could have secured victory.
The loss left the WA-based side’s finals hopes on life support as they sit well below the sixth-placed Reds on the ladder.
For the Drua, they kept their 100 per cent record against the Force in Fiji intact, ending a three-game losing streak as winger Isikeli Basiyalo (102 metres, one try) starred in his competition debut.
Victory was doubly welcome for their fans after Cyclone Vaianu lashed parts of the tropical island earlier in the week.
The Drua were behind early after flanker Etonia Waqa copped a yellow card before the Force’s Misinale Epenisa crossed in the 10th minute.
The hosts responded strongly with tries to prop Penaia Cakobau and five eighth Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, before fullback Isikeli Rabitu scored in the 34th minute after some brilliant hands.
Trailing 19-7 at halftime, the Force cut the deficit when winger Dylan Pietsch strolled over after a lofted pass from Bayley Kuenzle.
Lock Jeremy Williams wrestled across the line to move the Force within two points of the hosts, but Basiyalo intercepted a Kurtley Beale pass and stormed down the field to give the home side some breathing room.
The Drua’s Ilaisa Droasese was sent to the sin bin in the 70th minute, and moments later Will Harris capitalised from a maul, but Beale missed a conversion attempt to equalise before Donaldson scuffed his penalty kick.
Fijian Drua 24 (Tries: Cakobau, Rabitu, Armstrong-Ravula, Basiyalo; Cons: Armstrong-Ravula 2) def Western Force 22 (Tries: Epenisa, Pietsch, Williams, Harris; Cons: Donaldson) …. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY: SUPER RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Tupaea, Taumoefolau torment Moana Pasifika for monster Chiefs win
ROTORUA, 13 APRIL 2026 (SUPER RUGBY) —Quinn Tupaea and Kyren Taumoefolau have torn apart Moana Pasifika, powering the Chiefs to a 62-17 win in Rotorua.
The Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year leader was at his best, scoring a double and setting up two more in the one-sided rout.
Meanwhile, Taumoefolau scored two of his own as they go top of the ladder for a couple of hours before the Hurricanes-Blues contest.
The combination of the two Chiefs backs caused nightmares for Moana Pasifika as they tormented them in the first half.
The midfielder got the opener after Taumoefolau offloaded for Liam Coombes-Fabling, who drew the fullback for the try.
Tupaea turned provider for the former Moana Pasifika flyer, then latching onto a Damian McKenzie chip kick to set up Samipeni Finau for a 19-0 lead.
Moana Pasifika had plenty of chances to respond but couldn’t crack the Chiefs line. Prop Paula Latu was twice held up over the line, forcing a desperate scramble from the Chiefs.
But it was all the Chiefs as Tupaea nabbed his second right before half-time for a 26-0 lead.
The hosts’ tough fortunes were summed up in the 28th minute when a bloodied Tom Savage was yellow carded for a head-on-head shot, leaving them down to 14.
It gave McKenzie a chance to get in on the fun, getting his second late in the contest. With those five pointers, the Chiefs superstar became the all-time leading try scorer (44), whilst also bringing up 1,500 points in Super Rugby.
It sees the flyhalf close in on Morne Steyn (1,551) and Beauden Barrett (1,576) on the all-time point-scoring table, with Dan Carter still comfortable at the top (1,708).
Former Chief Solomon Alaimalo got Moana Pasifika on the board after 50 minutes after a nice kick and chase.
But Taumoefolau shortly afterwards added his second try, followed over by Josh Jacomb to bring up 50 points.
Moana Pasifika added two consolation tries before the full-time siren; however, it was all in vain as Thompson’s second capped off the win.
The bonus point win ensures they will stay second at the end of the round, with the winner of the top-of-the-table clash leapfrogging them.
The Chiefs face the Hurricanes next weekend, while Moana Pasifika will be out to rebound against the NSW Waratahs.
Chiefs 62 (Tries: Tupaea 2, Taumoefolau 2, Thompson 2, McKenzie 2, Finau, Jacomb; Cons: McKenzie 6) def Moana Pasifika 17 (Tries: Alaimalo, Pole, Faiilagi; Cons: Pellegrini)…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Bula FC enjoy home comforts with narrow win
BA, 13 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—It was a happy homecoming for Bula FC, as they marked their first-ever match on home soil with a narrow 1-0 victory over PNG Hekari FC in Ba.
The home side started the afternoon inside the top four and knew victory would push them up to third, putting pressure on South Melbourne FC, who had been beaten earlier in the day.
In front of a noisy and expectant crowd, Bula FC started well – spending much of the early stages camped inside the PNG Hekari FC half.
Nabil Begg was the first to go close, when his stinging effort from the edge of the box was saved well by Dave Tomare, before the ever-threatening Kaile Auvray forced the ‘keeper into a low save, which he gathered at the second attempt.
PNG Hekari FC were intermittent with their forays forward, but couldn’t sustain any pressure and were unable to trouble Bula FC goalkeeper Didier Desprez.
Stephane Auvray made one change at the break, bringing on Zacariah Harang for Nabil Begg, as he looked to take advantage of their dominance in possession.
It was PNG Hekari however that came closest to opening the scoring in the early stages of the half. Rex Naime broke clear down the right flank, but his clipped cross was headed over by John Orobulu when totally unmarked in the area.
It was a miss that would haunt Jerry Allen’s side, who were undone just after the hour mark.
Roy Krishna smartly created space for himself, before sliding a through ball for Adam Supyk to latch on to – the defender firing under Tomare and into the back of the net.
The effort was initially ruled out for offside, but a brief VAR check deemed Supyk to be onside and the locals erupted for Bula FC’s first-ever goal on home soil.
Jerry Allen responded by bringing on Nathaniel Eddie, followed by Logan Biwa and Kasum Gabriel from the bench, in hopes of stirring a comeback as the heavens opened above Govind Park.
Clear-cut chances for an equaliser were few and far between however, as PNG Hekari chased the game.
Delon Shankar almost skewed the ball into his own net in the act of conceding a corner – a corner-kick that led to Joseph Joe rifling an effort over the bar from a narrow angle as Bula FC managed to hold on and secure a valuable three points.
PNG Hekari FC: 0
HT: 0-0…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Germain Haewegene the hero as Tahiti United hammer Solomon Kings
BA, 13 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—A stunning Germain Haewegene hat-trick secured a valuable victory for Tahiti United against Solomon Kings, as they kept their top four hopes alive.
Solomon Kings found themselves down in 5th place following South Island United’s victory earlier in the day, whilst Tahiti United knew a win would put them within striking distance of a Leaders Group spot.
Samuel Garcia’s side were dealt a late blow, when captain Teaonui Tehau was ruled out shortly before kick off, but the French Polynesian side responded to the setback well, bossing the early stages.
They had the ball in the net after an excellent ball from Matéo Degrumelle found Mathis Lacan, but forward Germain Haewegene was penalised for a shirt pull and the goal was ruled out following a VAR check.
Solomon Kings took their time getting started but once they hit their stride, they did so to devastating effect.
Rafa Le’ai won the ball near the Tahiti United area, before feeding Don Keana. He played in Junior David who cutback for the unmarked Jez Lofthouse to finish calmly past Jackson Gardner.
A similar move almost yielded a second but Sota Higashide was denied by an excellent defensive block.
It would prove even more crucial when Tahiti United immediately broke down the other end. Tevita Waranaivalu – playing in his home country – charged forward with the ball and when no pressure was forthcoming, the midfielder arrowed a fine effort into the far corner past Junior Petua.
Whatever Samuel Garcia said to his charges at the break clearly had the desired impact, with just 25 seconds on the clock when Tahiti United took the lead.
Germain Haewegene broke down the right-hand side, catching Solomon Kings cold, before holding off the covering defenders and finished smartly past Petua.
A little over ten minutes later and Haewegene had his second and his side’s third. A fairly innocuous long ball caught the defensive line napping and the pacey Haewegene stole in to nick the ball past the ‘keeper, before rolling it into an unguarded net.
The floodgates were opened and Tahiti United continued to pour forward. Joseph Athale the next on the scoresheet, latching onto to a pass from Degrumelle on the overlap and patiently finishing past the despairing Petua at the near post.
Four minutes later and Haewegene clinched his hat-trick in spectacular fashion. Another long ball over the top wasn’t dealt with by the Solomon Kings backline and Haewegene took the ball in his stride before lashing a stunning effort past Petua to make it 5-1 with a quarter of an hour remaining.
The dominant victory lifts Tahiti United up a place into 6th, at the expense of Vanuatu United FC, with only two points now separating them and the top four.
Tahiti United: 5 (Tevita WARANAIVALU 41′, Germain HAEWEGENE 46′, 58′ 74′, Joseph ATHALE 70′)
Solomon Kings FC: 1 (Jez LOFTHOUSE 27′)
HT: 1-1…. PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 13 Apr 2026
PNG secure place in FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Oceania Qualifiers final
HAMILTON, 13 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—A lone goal from Keren Kalapai has secured Papua New Guinea a 1–0 win over American Samoa in the first FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ Oceania Qualifiers semi-final at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.
The goal came just moments before the half-time whistle, and proved enough, as Papua New Guinea held on for the remaining 45 minutes for a priceless victory, keeping their fourth consecutive clean sheet of the qualifying campaign.
The result means Papua New Guinea will face either Fiji or New Zealand in the final on Wednesday, and are guaranteed at least a place in the inter-confederation play-offs for the second campaign in a row.
American Samoa had the first chance of the game just after the ten minute mark, when Mattyn Summers delivered a pin-point cross to her twin sister Aaliyah Summers. The latter took a first-time strike that drifted wide of Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Betty Sam’s left post.
Ten minutes later, American Samoa carved out another opportunity. Malia Patolo weaved her way through the Bilums defence with clever footwork before cutting the ball back to Morgan Patea, who fired her first-time effort over the bar.
In the final minutes of the half, Papua New Guinea carved out a flurry of chances from a corner, including a bicycle kick from captain Ramona Padio and two further efforts from Olivia Upaupa.
Keren Kalapai’s moment of brilliance for Papua New Guinea on the stroke of half-time proved the decisive moment of the match. Kalapai latched onto a powerful throw from goalkeeper Betty Sam, broke through one-on-one with American Samoa goalkeeper Ayani Kirismasi, and finished cooly into the bottom-left corner to give her side the advantage.
Twenty minutes into the second half, the match began to open up with chances flowing at both ends.
Padio unleashed a stunning long-range strike that ricocheted off the crossbar and almost doubled Papua New Guinea’s lead.
American Samoa responded with a spell of pressure of their own, with Aaliyah Tu’ua slicing a dangerous ball across the face of goal, just out of reach of substitute Noelani Tupua.
The fairytale run wasn’t to continue for Amanda Cromwell and her American Samoa side though, who failed to muster an equalising goal in second half stoppage-time, putting an end to their historic qualifying campaign.
In contrast, the final whistle brought relief for Papua New Guinea, who have taken a big step towards the finals in Brazil, and can look ahead to the final in Auckland on Wednesday 15 April.
Papua New Guinea: 1 (Keren KALAPAI 45+1′)
American Samoa: 0
HT: 1-0…. PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Auckland FC come from behind to win top of the table clash
BA, 13 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—Auckland FC edged out South Melbourne FC in a highly entertaining top of the table clash on match day two of Round 5 in Ba.
Domestic commitments meant that the Australian side were missing a number of first choice players, including captain Marco Jankovic and dangerous forward Yuki Uchida.
Early impressions suggested the much-changed squad would struggle, when Auckland FC took the lead after just 22 seconds. Jason Robinson feeding Emiliano Tade from the left-hand side, who laid off for Liam Gillion to finish confidently past Ilia Shalamanov-Trenkova.
Those fears were assuaged in short order however, as Sinisha Cohadzic’s side responded well.
A Jack Painter-Andrews long throw was flicked on in defence, finding Andrew Mesourouni at the back post, who took one touch to steady himself, before firing past Oscar Mason to equalise after just ten minutes.
It would get even better less than fifteen minutes later for South Melbourne when they took a deserved lead.
Jordan Swibel held the ball up excellently, pirouetting away from his marker and prodding the ball to the on-rushing Charlie Leech, who fired low past Mason to complete the turnaround.
Much like their encounter earlier in the season, it was a physically challenging match. Leech joining Painter-Andrews and Jack Pope in picking up first-half bookings.
Auckland FC were much improved in the second period and again started on the front foot. Veteran forward Emiliano Tade with an early chance, catching a volley well but directing it narrowly wide of the far post.
Mesourouni went close with a similar effort at the other end, dragging his shot past Mason’s right-hand post.
The New Zealand side, perhaps unsurprisingly, were the stronger of the two in the closing stages, taking advantage of their opponents lack of options off the bench.
Matt Ellis was the man to find the equaliser. Driving at the South Melbourne defence from the right-hand side and smashing a stunning effort past Shalamanov-Trenkova and into the top corner.
It was thoroughly deserved for Luke Casserly’s side, who then went about searching for a late winner.
That search became a little more straight forward when Charlie Leech picked up his second booking. The midfielder receiving his marching orders after a cynical attempt to stop an Auckland FC counter-attack.
They then duly took advantage just over five minutes later. Robinson with a neat clipped pass over the top of the defence found Michael Den Heijer, before the big defender selflessly squared to his fellow substitute Ronan Wynne who rolled into an empty net.
The league leaders were able to hold on comfortably and consolidate their position on top, as South Melbourne FC start to look behind at the group of teams hot on their heels.
Auckland FC: 3 (Liam GILLION 1′, Matt ELLIS 59′, Ronan WYNNE 84′)
South Melbourne FC: 2 (Andrew MESOUROUNI 10′, Charlie LEECH 23′)
HT: 1-2…. PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Dominant New Zealand see off Fiji to confirm final place
HAMILTON, 13 APRIL 2026 (OFC)—New Zealand have sealed a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Oceania Qualifiers final after a commanding 5-0 victory over Fiji on home soil at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.
The Football Ferns scored four of their five goals in the first-half, as Fiji delivered an improved second-half defensive display.
New Zealand will now go on to face Papua New Guinea in the final on Wednesday evening at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland and are just one match away from reaching their seventh FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The hosts came out firing and opened their account in the fifth minute. Grace Jale drilled a shot that Fijian goalkeeper Mereseini Waqali could only parry into the path of Kelli Brown, who blazed into the back of the net.
The Kulas held firm under pressure for the next quarter of an hour before a pinpoint Michaela Foster cross found captain Kate Taylor, who nodded home into the bottom left corner.
Foster, in front of her home town crowd, soon added New Zealand’s third with a lofted long-range effort that dipped under Waqali and into the net.
Just past the half hour mark, Deven Jackson cut the ball back to Katie Kitching, who slotted it cleanly into the bottom left corner.
Waqali produced a flurry of acrobatic saves to deny strong efforts from Jackson and Brown just before the half-time whistle, and New Zealand went into the break 4–0 up.
In the second-half’s opening stages, vital interventions from Fijian centre-back Unaisi Tuberi and resolute defending from her team’s backline kept the relentless Kiwi attack at bay.
New Zealand struck midway through the second-half when Katie Kitching laid the ball off to substitute Hannah Blake, who finished with a well-drilled strike into the left corner.
Fiji continued to defend strongly and reduced their opponents to just one goal in the second period, with New Zealand happy to hold on to what they had, as they look forward to Wednesday’s final.
New Zealand: 5 (Kelli BROWN 11’, Kate TAYLOR 21’, Michaela FOSTER 27’, Katie KITCHING 38’, Hannah BLAKE 74’)
Fiji: 0
HT: 4-0…. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Propped up: Fit Taumalolo lays platform for Cowboys resurgence
BRISBANE, 13 APRIL 2026 (NRL)—Jason Taumalolo has been winding back the clock this season, with good-as-new knees and a fresh approach to his role giving the Cowboys enforcer a new lease of life.
Instrumental in North Queensland’s derby win against the Broncos, the Tongan titan led from the front, with his 238 run metres helping lay the platform for the drought-breaking win, the Cowboys’ first over Brisbane in their past seven attempts.
The performance saw him awarded the Carl Webb Medal as player of the match, named in honour of the forward who had such an impact at both clubs.
“It definitely is (special to win the medal),” Taumalolo said.
“I’ve played alongside Carl Webb, so it shows my age a little bit, and obviously, to have a medal with his name is appropriate, it proves how tough he was as a character, and to be able to win it, is pretty special too.”
This year, Taumalolo has been producing consistent high-level from, providing the forward leadership for a Cowboys side who have now won four games on the trot. While his minutes on average have been reduced, they have been effective, laying an early platform for the team.
Averaging 156 run metres per game, the prop is also leading the league for post-contact metres with 445 metres, proving there is still plenty of football left in him despite bearing the brunt of the load in the forward pack after making his debut in 2010.
Off-season surgery to clean out his knees has made a huge difference, as has his more efficient minutes in the forward rotation. There have been modifications to his training program, and coach Todd Payten also praised the work he did away from the club on his recovery and game preparation.
“It’s good to be healthy first of all and I knew that if I could get myself back to not carrying around injuries and being able to play freely, that I’d eventually get back to where I was,” Taumalolo said.
“That’s a huge shout to the medical staff for the Cowboys and (them) believing in me and trusting in the work that that they’ve been doing and it’s all paid off so far.
“The last three or four years, I’ve been injury-plagued and I knew that if I had a cleanout last year coming into this year, I could give it a red-hot crack again and get back to close to (how I was playing) and believing in myself and it’s worked out.
“The medical team especially … for the Cowboys have been unreal and helped me get back to where I’m at, at the moment.”
While the Cowboys attack has been firing with some exciting prospects in their backline like the recently re-signed Jaxon Purdue and Tom Chester taking the limelight; the development of North Queensland’s forward pack in helping turn their 0-2 start to the season around has been vital.
Following the win over Brisbane – a side though down on experience still featured an international level forward pack including Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, Xavier Willison and Brendan Piakura – Taumalolo praised the contributions of his fellow forwards.
“Tommy [Mikaele], Coen [Hess] and Griff [Griffen Neame] and Lodgie [Matt Lodge] too, they’ve been really great,” the 2016 Dally M Medal winner said.
“In the last few years, we’ve lacked having bigger bodies around the middle and to have those boys come in, especially (tonight) going up with a team full of guys like Payne, Patty, and Xavier Willison in the middle, we needed everyone to stand up and put all hands on deck and that was the case.
“There were a few tough moments there, where it was going back-and-forth and I thought our middles were really strong tonight.
“Tommy off the bench, Coen starting, Lodgie and Griff coming off the bench, they really stood up and they never took a backward step against what I consider to be the best 1-2 punch in the middle for the Broncos.”
Next up, the Cowboys will host the Sea Eagles in Townsville on Thursday night, with Taumalolo and go to go up against his Tonga team-mate and relative Haumole Olakau’atu in the forwards…. PACNEWS
NZ – RUGBY: PLANET RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Hoskins Sotutu opens up on All Blacks snub and gives blunt verdict on England prospects
AUCKLAND, 13 APRIL 2026 (PLANET RUGBY) —Newcastle Red Bulls-bound back-rower Hoskins Sotutu is looking forward to joining his new club ahead of the 2026/27 PREM Rugby season but is not focusing on representing England yet.
Sotutu was initially linked with a move to Saracens where he was seen as a potential replacement for England number eight Tom Willis, who is set to depart the North London club for a move to Bordeaux-Begles at the end of the current season.
However, last December it was confirmed that he has agreed terms on a three-year contract with PREM Rugby rivals Newcastle Red Bulls.
Sotutu has made 14 appearances for New Zealand at Test level but could switch his national allegiance to England, who he qualifies for through his mother.
The prospect of swapping an All Blacks jersey for a Red Rose one is not something which has crossed his mind yet, he revealed.
“I don’t like to think too far ahead because I think I will jinx myself,” he told The Telegraph. “I like to focus on what is in front of me and if anything happens off the back of that it will be a blessing.”
The 27-year-old made his All Blacks debut against the Wallabies and ran out for his last Test appearance in 2022.
Despite an outstanding 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign where he helped the Blues to lift the title as champions and finished as the competition’s top try-scorer and the official player of the tournament, Scott Robertson did not select Sotutu in any of his squads during his two-year tenure as All Blacks head coach.
Although his form warranted a New Zealand call-up, his omission meant he considered his options and apart from England, Sotutu also qualified for Fiji as his father Waisake Sotutu represented the island nation in 12 Tests.
“It is hard to get a spot in that team when you have Ardie Savea, the best player in the world, and Sam Cane, who is the captain,” Sotutu said.
“So you are down the pecking order and in 2024 I tried to put my best foot forward but things never fell my way. I felt like I needed to have a look at other paths.
“The Fijian route was appealing because my father played for them but I came over to the UK to give myself an entirely new challenge and PREM Rugby really appeals to me.
“Northern Hemisphere rugby looks like it would suit my game.”
The decision to join Newcastle means that if he replicates his Blues form then his debut for England is not too far away, but Sotutu is just focusing on doing well for his new club when he joins them later this year.
“I am still really hungry to play well and I have got my best rugby ahead of me,” he said.
“I am keen to get to a new environment and use that as a springboard to become an even better Hoskins. I am looking forward to blending into a new group and a new city and making a change at that club.
“I still have a lot of years left in my career and I want to be the best on the park every single game. When that happens it should lead to other accolades.” …. PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 13 Apr 2026
A rousing Reds win over the Crusaders built on attitude and big moments
BRISBANE, 13 APRIL 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU) —Clutch tries from milestone man Filipo Daugunu and Louis Werchon sealed a rousing 31-26 victory for the Queensland Reds over the Crusaders on Saturday night.
A 19-all deadlock had sent the match into a tense final 10 minutes before the Reds duo iced a worthy victory for a roaring Suncorp Stadium crowd.
It was the Reds’ first win over the Crusaders in Brisbane since the 2011 Super Rugby final and members of that championship team were at the ground watching on for their 15-year reunion. Only 2024’s epic upset in Christchurch had been a previous victory for the Reds across that period.
Winger Daugunu celebrated his 100th Super Rugby game in style with his big involvements to help topple the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific champions.
He ran for a game-high 120m but none were more vital than the low, explosive 5m surge to the tryline in the 72nd minute.
Replacement prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen was glued to his back to make sure he got there for the key five-pointer through the defence.
Daugunu only had that chance because another high-impact replacement, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, had drilled a 40m touchfinder from a penalty to set up a lineout 6m out.
Sweat on the ball made it a slippery proposition for both sides in the heat. With three minutes to play, it was the Crusaders who spilt it and opportunist Werchon swooped.
He dashed more than 40m to score the clinching try in the Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific match.
After back-to-back losses, there was a huge response with sting in tackles, more power in contact and sharp attack that punctured the defence of the Crusaders with nine line breaks.
“I think there is a mental toughness you see in this Reds team. Fraser and the boys were super honest and pragmatic this week to be better after two losses and there was a worthy mindset to make amends,” Reds Head Coach Les Kiss said.
“It wasn’t always neat and tidy but sometimes you’ve just got to find a way and fight hard for things and we did.”
Kiss praised Daugunu for all he gave to the team effort.
“He’s a competitive bugger. What I liked at the end was he was spent. It wasn’t just brawn but finesse out there and some of his kick chases caused havoc,” Kiss said.
Reds skipper Fraser McReight was delighted with the performance.
“I thought we bounced back this week really, really well. We have a strong belief in this team that we can go deep in this comp but Super Rugby is tough, physically and mentally, and everyone can beat everyone. You are always searching for improvements,” McReight said.
Digby Ioane, Scott Higginbotham and other members of the Reds’ 2011 Super Rugby-winning team were at the ground watching for their 15-year reunion.
“Reflecting on that it’s pretty special with it being 15 years since they beat them (the Crusaders) twice that year. It’s special tonight for our group. I’m really, really proud for us,” McReight said.
The Reds led 7-5 early through a McReight try before a smart Harry Wilson kick ahead became a try for the sprinting Carter Gordon.
The Reds ripped into action just after half-time. Halfback Kalani Thomas made a dummy and dart from the ruckbase and grubbered the ball ahead.
Three Reds chased and it was winger Tim Ryan who dotted down for 19-12.
A McReight steal late in the game, centre Hunter Paisami’s power in every play, Josh Flook’s speed and timing, No.8 Harry Wilson’s urgency for 10 tackles, McLaughlin-Phillips stepping up when Gordon limped off…the contributors when needed were everywhere.
Toomaga-Allen made a big impact. In the space of a few minutes, he teamed with Wilson to jolt a turnover, seized one solo and drove Daugunu over the tryline.
The Reds have a bye this weekend before playing the Blues on Anzac Day at Super Round in Christchurch on 25 April……PACNEWS
USA – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 13 Apr 2026
Wallaroos sunk in Sacramento as wet weather, Canada dominate Pacific Four opener
SACRAMENTO, 13 APRIL 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Canada have braved the elements to take down the Wallaroos 24-0 in their Pacific Four opener in Sacramento.
The game was delayed for close to 70 minutes after severe rain and lightning hit the ground.
It left both teams waiting and wondering if the game would go ahead, eventually cleared for action without fans in the ground.
When they did get on, Canada showed their class, with their forward pack doing the damage for the shut out win.
“Chaos,” interim coach Sam Needs said to sum up the conditions and game. “The weather for both sides caused uncharacteristic mistakes. It was hard to get the ball wide and it was hard to control the ball.
“The result doesn’t reflect the effort the girls put in and how we won some really big moments. In the first half, we probably didn’t execute as many opportunities as we wanted to. The second half, I think we might have only had one or two, and we didn’t execute those so a couple of little moments there, but overall really happy with the way the girls dug in.”
The conditions meant chances came at a premium as both teams struggled to handle the ball, as puddles lined the pitch.
The Wallaroos were hunting for their first win over the number two-ranked side in the world and enjoyed dominance over territory in the opening 15 minutes.
But it was Canada’s pack that delivered the opener as Julia Omokhuale crashed over the line from short after a powerful rolling maul.
Desiree Miller nearly had an answer after the winger trapped an attempted grubber and raced 60 metres, only to be dragged down short of the line.
Canada would take a 12-0 lead into the break as they broke down the Australian defence, crossing through back-rower Pamphinette Buisa.
Their dominance only extended into the second half, as the Australians were forced to defend for most of the 40 minutes.
They found success stopping their rolling maul and held their own before cracking in the 66th minute. Winger Asia Hogan-Rochester capitalised on space on the edge to edge Canada further in front.
The Wallaroos’ ill-discipline hurt them towards the end of the game, finishing with just 13 on the field.
Brittany Merlo paid the price after multiple warnings across the game, with Sam Needs’ side conceding 17 penalties and several further advantages. Cecilia Smith followed her off for a high shot, with Kiki Idowu capping off the win with a five-pointer with six minutes to go.
Australia turns their attention to the hosts, the USA, next Saturday (AEST) in Kansas City, who were defeated 48-15 by New Zealand.
“It’s us being better than the last version of ourselves that we played against them, as you can see with the scoreboard, there’s a huge shift from that last quarterfinal game back in the World Cup,” captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona added.
“We know the USA are going to bring in. We had a bit of a sneak peek watching their game against New Zealand and they’re definitely going to bring it, but it’s going to test how honest we are to our defence next week
Canada 24 (Idowu, Hogan-Rochester, Buisa, Omokhuale tries; Gallagher 2 cons) defeated Wallaroos 0
…PACNEWS
