In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY — Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026: Fiji and Japan seal final spots
2. RUGBY — Historic first for Fijiana as Hong Kong China complete Brazil comeback and the Netherlands make a statement
3. BOXING — Opetaia’s KO fuels duel between ‘two baddest dudes’
4. RUGBY — Sāmoa rugby split widens as govt formally backs new union
5. RUGBY — Samoa Court of appeal dismisses Mase Mahonri Schwalger’s conviction appeal
6. FOOTBALL — New Zealand Advance and Secure FIFA U20 World Cup Qualification
7. FOOTBALL — Papua New Guinea end decade-long wait and join New Caledonia in semi-finals
8. FOOTBALL — Ba FC claims 18th BOG title
9. RUGBY LEAGUE — How NRL greats are driving Gagai’s late-career surge
10. RUGBY — South Africa complete series victory with Baltimore win against New Zealand
PAC – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 14 Sep 2026
Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026: Fiji and Japan seal final spots
OSAKA, 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—Fiji and Japan will meet in the final of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 after both sides registered emphatic semi-final wins at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka on Saturday.
Defending champions Fiji beat Canada 45-29 before the Brave Blossoms ran out 63-14 victors over the USA, with the victorious semi-finalists now set to meet in the title decider for the third successive year.
Canada and the USA will meet in the third place play-off, with both games to be played at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo on 19 September.
FIJI 45-29 CANADA: Fiji show champion pedigree to advance to final
Record seven-time champions Fiji advanced to next Saturday’s Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 final with an impressive semi-final win over Canada at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka.
The Flying Fijians are bidding to win the annual tournament for the third successive year and underlined their quality by outscoring the Canadians by seven tries to four.
Senirusi Seruvakula’s men will now face Japan in the final in Tokyo.
Player of the match Motikiai Murray, the Fiji flanker who scored two second-half tries, said: “I have to thank Almighty God for the win.
“We did pretty well, there were a few mistakes, but our mission was to start fast and we did that.”
Indeed, Fji led almost immediately when blindside flanker Kitione Salawa charged down Jason Higgins’ kick and touched down in the right corner.
Seruvakula’s side then conjured a delightful second try when Kalaveti Ravouvou and Joji Nasova combined to send Frank Lomani scampering clear.
Canada gradually steadied themselves and blindside flanker Mason Flesch dived under the posts from close range, but an exhilarating Fiji counter-attack culminated in Manase Mataele sending Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula powering clear.
Prop Peni Ravai collected a deft offload from captain Tevita Ikanivere to dive over from close range for Fiji’s fourth.
Canada claimed a second through Sion Parry to make it 26-17 at the break but Ikanivere burst onto a fine pass from Virimi Vakatawa to score Fiji’s fifth try.
Murray then took centre stage with two tries in the space of 11 minutes, racing down the left wing to claim his first before adding his second from a lineout.
Kyle Tremblay touched down for Canada and Flesch claimed his second before Fiji had Isoa Nasilasila and debutant Terio Tamani Veilawa red-carded and sin-binned respectively late on.
Canada will go into the third place play-off against USA with cause for optimism and head coach Stephen Meehan said: “There were aspects of our game we were really happy with.
“There were other parts where we lacked concentration for two or three minutes and a side like Fiji can go 90 metres to score.
“We play Fiji at next year’s World Cup and we’re excited about that.”
JAPAN 63-14 USA: Brave Blossoms flex their muscles to reach title decider
Hosts Japan showed their class in front of a rapturous home crowd in Osaka after a comprehensive semi-final win over USA secured a place in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 final.
Eddie Jones’ men will face defending champions Fiji at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo in a mouthwatering title decider.
The Brave Blossoms outscored the USA by nine tries to two and, having led 35-14 at the interval, they kept their opponents scoreless during the second half.
Player of the match, Japan hooker Mamoru Harada said: “We knew it was going to be a tough match from the beginning, but we executed well. Our target now is to beat Fiji and win the championship.”
Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko, Honorary Patron of the Japan Rugby Football Union, met both teams before the game and Japan quickly established total control.
Centre Yuya Hirose produced some impressive footwork and strength to muscle his way through the USA defence for the opening try in the second minute.
Second-row Michael Stolberg soon added a second from close range before a neat passing sequence culminated in Dylan Riley scoring Japan’s third in the ninth minute.
It was a stunning start from the Brave Blossoms in front of the massed ranks of Japan supporters but things got even better for them in the 16th minute.
The impressive Harada got in on the act with their fourth try from close range before his opposite number Shilo Klein hit back for the USA with a similar score.
The Men’s Eagles scored again when centre Tavite Lopeti displayed remarkable strength to manoeuvre his way past several Japan defenders to touch down. However, prop Sojiro Otsuka added a fourth for the Brave Blossoms on the stroke of half-time.
Riley added his second and Jack Cornelsen, Esei Haangana and Sam Greene added further scores during a one-sided second half which saw USA captain Jason Damm and Jack Cornelsen sin-binned.
Damm reflected: “We knew Japan are a great side and we’re trying to catch them up, but we saw the gap today so we know we’ve got a lot of work to do.”…PACNEWS
HKG – RUGBY: WXV GLOBAL SERIES PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 14 Sep 2026
Historic first for Fijiana as Hong Kong China complete Brazil comeback and the Netherlands make a statement
HONG KONG, 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 (WXV GLOBAL SERIES) —The WXV Global Challenger Series is live with Fiji kicking off their campaign at Hong Kong China’s Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground with a first-ever win over Spain, Hong Kong China coming from behind to beat Brazil, and the Netherlands putting on a command performance against Samoa.
Spain 32 Fiji 38
Fiji made history at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, earning their first-ever win over Spain with a thrilling 38-32 comeback triumph after being 32-19 down with ten minutes to play.
Fijiana fans didn’t have to wait long to celebrate, as Atelini Buna put on the afterburners, evading several tacklers before grounding the ball between the goalposts, making it easy for Varanisese Qoro to land the conversion. Las Leonas responded in the following play with a penalty kick successfully struck by Amalia Argudo, but Fiji would extend their lead with another try.
From a quick tap, the pill found its way to Josivini Naihamu’s hands with the inside-centre diving in the corner to give her side a nine-point advantage. Fiji’s second finish spurred Spain into action, with the Women’s Rugby Europe Championship title holders taking control of possession, pinning Fiji deep inside their own half.
After Argudo added another three points from the tee, Spain celebrated their first try of the match following a thrilling passage of rapid offloads that tore through the Pacific nation’s defence, culminating in Valentina Pérez reaching the whitewash. Before the half-time break, both teams claimed a try each, with Fiji’s number eight Alfreda Fisher powering over the line after a quick lineout, and winger Claudia Cano scoring on the corner following a cross-kick from Argudo, who claimed the extras.
Spain overcame a challenging opening quarter and found their rhythm to go into the break ahead 20–19, with Amalia Argudo playing a critical role in her team’s comeback.
It took 10 minutes for the scoreboard to change in the second half, with Las Leonas striking from a swift lineout move on the 10-metre line as Valentina Pérez crashed over to earn a brace. The Fijiana had plenty of opportunities to bounce back, but Spain’s spirited defence forced the opposition away from the try-area. Driven by a collective effort, Spain ultimately secured the fourth score, following a brilliant direct running line from Argudo, with the fullback collecting the full 7 points.
However, Fiji refused to go down without a fight and won the restart. Ivamere Rokowati Nabura burst clear of the defence and crossed to reduce the deficit to six points. With the momentum swinging, Fiji kept the pressure on and completed a sensational comeback with tries from Adi Salote Nailolo and Repeka Adi Tove to wrap up a 38-32 win.
Willie Walker’s tactical changes in the final 20 minutes were instrumental in helping the Fijiana bounce back, with Spain having no answer to counter the opposition’s physicality and tactical approach.
Hong Kong China 29 Brazil 24
Hong Kong China clawed back a 14-point deficit to claim their first win in the WXV Global Series Challenger, defeating Brazil 29-24 and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Brazil’s pack dominance paid off early with the Yaras squeezing a penalty try and a yellow card to get their first taste of the lead, before securing a second finish, this time from Larissa Alves. Thalita Costa found a nudge of space out wide and cruised past the Hong Kong China defence before a series of offloads ended with Alves grounding the ball. Fernanda Tenório added the conversion to extend the lead to 14-0.
Unfortunately for the Brazilians, a high tackle from Luiza Campos would provide the lifeline the locals needed to get back into the game. After another penalty, Hong Kong China went for a lineout 10 metres out and scored from a driving maul with hooker Tanya Dhar powering over the line.
Dhar scored a second try five minutes later in the same fashion, with Lara Schats adding the extras. The fly-half was enjoying an outstanding game, highlighted by a 50/22, several line breaks, and her ability to inject much-needed energy into her side….PACNEWS
USA – BOXING: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 14 Sep 2026
Opetaia’s KO fuels duel between ‘two baddest dudes’
LAS VEGAS, 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)–American star Benavidez was ringside and Opetaia called him onto the canvas, where the two-belt cruiserweight champion, who has won world titles in two other divisions, agreed to fight the Australian on 05 May in Vegas next year.
“I’m still here, still undefeated and like I said – who’s next?” Opetaia, who had his IBF title stripped when debuting for new promoter Zuffa Boxing earlier this year, asked before inviting the WBA and WBO champion into the ring.
“I respect him. He’s done a lot for the sport and what better fight to make. Respectfully, let’s get it on.”
Benavidez is set to defend his belts in December but was keen to clear up any conjecture around his interest in fighting Opetaia, who was immediately sent to hospital for scans as a precaution following the fight.
“Let’s do it right here, Cinco de Mayo (May 5) next year,” Benavidez said, before the pair shook hands.
“I like this man. He looks like he likes war. I am the same way, so we’re going to give the fans a hell of a fight.”
Opetaia, sporting a swollen left eye from a first-round head clash, couldn’t hide his delight.
“He’s said it now, he’s not taking it back,” the Australian said.
Zuffa boss Dana White, who runs UFC, is no fan of post-fight match-making in either sport but admitted the prospect of the pair facing off next year was irresistible.
“There was a lot of wheeling and dealing going on in this arena tonight,” he said.
Mikaelian entered the clash with the WBC belt but it’s unlikely that will be taken by Opetaia, given the organisation’s unwillingness to sanction the Zuffa bout.
Benavidez could hold it by the time they meet though, with his December fight potentially including that prize if opponent and No.1 WBC contender Michal Cieslak is awarded full status.
Opetaia remains in a court battle, with the IBF attempting to claim back his belt, while the WBA are currently the sole member of boxing’s four major bodies willing to work with Zuffa.
But with both boxers keen and the boxing world fixated on a match-up, White thinks the politics will be irrelevant.
“We’ve gotten into a better place with the sanctioning organisations so we’ll see how that plays out,” he said.
“But we all know these are the two baddest dudes in the world in that weight class. So belts, no belts, whatever.”
Opetaia, 31, had earlier controlled the contest against the savvy 35-year-old, who found some joy in close and landed a clean right hook of his own in the seventh round that rocked the Australian.
But otherwise Opetaia worked over the head and body in a clinical display.
Ryan Garcia then made light work of Conor Benn in the main event, connecting with a huge right hand that led to a second-round stoppage in his WBC welterweight world title defence.
Garcia, like Benavidez, is US born but has parents with Mexican roots and expressed his enthusiasm in unifying against Teofimo Lopez on the Cinco de Mayo card.
“That’s a huge event. That would break the internet. It would be one of the highest-selling double features ever,” he said……PACNEWS
SAMOA – RUGBY: SAMOA OBSERVER PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 14 Sep 2026
Sāmoa rugby split widens as govt formally backs new union
APIA, 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 (SAMOA OBSERVER)—Sāmoa now has two competing rugby union authorities with the government formally backing a new union while the international game continues to recognise Lakapi Sāmoa.
Cabinet approved the Sāmoa Rugby Football Union (SRFU) on 5 September as the body responsible for “governing and leading rugby in Sāmoa”.
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation is now working to formalise the arrangement and government support for SRFU as it takes on the restructuring and future development of rugby in Sāmoa.
But that decision has not changed Samoa’s position with World Rugby.
Lakapi Sāmoa remains listed as the country’s full member by the international governing body, a status Sāmoa has held since 1988.
Namulauulu Sami Leota, Lakapi Sāmoa chairman, also remains Sāmoa’s representative on the World Rugby Council, where he has been a member since June.
World Rugby is continuing to include Manu Sāmoa in its international programme. On 31 August, it was confirmed Sāmoa will play Zimbabwe, Portugal and Spain in the November leg of the Nations Cup.
That leaves a major question over what the government’s new recognition of SRFU could mean for Lakapi Sāmoa’s international role.
World Rugby rules require a full member to be recognised as the national governing body for rugby by its National Olympic Committee, Sports Council or Ministry of Sport.
Manu Sāmoa celebrate a win over Belgium in November 2025, securing their place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Photo/Manu Sāmoa
This includes other requirements like having its own constitution and authority to control rugby independently within its jurisdiction.
World Rugby’s membership process also requires decisions to go through its regional and executive structures before final consideration by its Council.
The government withdrew its recognition and financial support from Lakapi Sāmoa in July, citing concerns about its administration and divisions within Sāmoan rugby.
World Rugby continued to recognise Lakapi Sāmoa and proposed an independent review to address the government’s concerns.
Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun, Lakapi Sāmoa chief executive, told the Samoa Observer on 3 September that the review had still not been finalised.
PMN News has asked World Rugby whether the government’s latest decision affects Lakapi Sāmoa’s membership or the proposed independent review. World Rugby had not responded at the time of publication.
For now, the split is playing out on two fronts.
The government is moving to establish SRFU as its recognised domestic rugby body, while Lakapi Sāmoa continues to hold Sāmoa’s place in the international game.
That comes as Manu Sāmoa prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Seumanu says preparations remain on track, with Sāmoa drawn in Pool E alongside France, Japan and the United States.
The November Nations Cup matches will also go ahead under Lakapi Sāmoa.
For Sāmoan rugby, the immediate issue is therefore not whether the country has a team ready to play internationally. It is which rugby body will ultimately have the authority to represent Sāmoa at home and on the world stage…..PACNEWS
SAMOA – RUGBY: SAMOA GLOBAL NEWS PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 14 Sep 2026
Samoa Court of appeal dismisses Mase Mahonri Schwalger’s conviction appeal
APIA, 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 (SAMOA GLOBAL NEWS)—Samoa Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by former Manu Samoa coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger against his convictions on eight sexual offences.
The decision was delivered by Justices Harrison, Young and Usher.
Schwalger’s conviction followed a two-week judge only trial before former Senior Supreme Court Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, who found him guilty of all eight charges.
Mase was found guilty in May 2026 of sexual assault involving two victims aged 14 and 19 at the time of the offending.
Last month Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke dismissed Schwalger’s application for a stay of sentence, but then ordered that Schwalger’s sentencing be adjourned until the Court of Appeal determines his appeal against his conviction.
The Court will set a sentencing date for Mase….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 14 Sep 2026
New Zealand Advance and Secure FIFA U20 World Cup Qualification
APIA, 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 (OFC)—New Zealand booked their place in the OFC Men’s U19 Championship Final, and with it, qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup as they proved too strong for New Caledonia, claiming a 6-1 victory in their semi-final clash at Football HQ in Apia, Samoa.
As predicted by many, New Zealand dominated possession and territory throughout the contest and it was therefore of little surprise when, just before the cooling break in the first half, they took the lead with a well-constructed goal.
Aaron Cartwright was the architect, beating his marker and threading a perfectly weighted through ball into the path of Harley Hill who proved to be a deadly executioner, arrowing a low finish across and underneath New Caledonia goalkeeper Raphael Genton to open the scoring.
Hill almost had a second on the half-hour, his firm strike turned over the bar by Genton, as New Zealand continued to create half-chances without overly threatening to run away with the fixture. New Caledonia, meanwhile, were left to live off scraps in the final third, not able to fashion a clearcut opening.
Just before half-time though, New Zealand struck again in similar fashion to the first. Bailey Ferguson picked out the run of captain Alex Lienard, and the fullback finished with a carbon copy of Hill’s earlier goal, driving low underneath Genton. From the restart Kylian Wiako shot over the bar after getting in behind the New Zealand defence with New Caledonia’s best opening as the half ended 2-0.
It took New Zealand just six minutes after the restart to effectively book their passage into the Final, and secure their World Cup ticket, as they netted a third. Ferguson again found a way through a flat New Caledonian back line, allowing Hill to finish first-time with his left foot.
Hill turned provider three minutes later, carving his way through the defence once more and skipping around Genton to put a goal on a plate for Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues. A fifth followed in the 64th minute, substitute Nathan Martin reacting fastest to turn home after an Oliver Grosso shot had cannoned back off the base of the post.
Despite the outcome of the match long since being decided, New Caledonia kept pushing forward seeking, at the very least, a consolation goal and got one when they were awarded a penalty with twenty minutes to play.
Maurice Katrawa took the responsibility and fired home, inflicting the first goal conceded by New Zealand at this tournament. That was a minor setback for the young Kiwis though as they marched onto a Final showdown with Tahiti adding a sixth in stoppage time through Grosso.
Semi-Final
New Zealand: 6 (Harley HILL 23′, 51′, Alex LIENARD 43′, Gabriel SLOANE-RODRIGUES 54′, Nathan MARTIN 64′, Oliver GROSSO 90+5′)
New Caledonia: 1 (Maurice KATRAWA 70′ (p))
HT: 2-0…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 14 Sep 2026
Papua New Guinea end decade-long wait and join New Caledonia in semi-finals
HONIARA, 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 (OFC)—Papua New Guinea are back in the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship for the first time since 2016, after defeating Samoa 2-0 on the final matchday in Group B at the National Stadium in Honiara.
Second half goals from Delma Duadak and Chriszanne Sifas secured the historic result for the young Bilums, who edged into second spot ahead of their opponents with two wins and six points from their three group matches.
The result is made even more significant by the fact that Papua New Guinea didn’t originally qualify for the championship, replacing Tahiti after they withdrew, to appear at the tournament for the first time in a decade.
Samoa had the better openings in a quiet first half, but it was Duadak who found the breakthrough for Papua New Guinea in the 68th minute, finishing from close range, after Sifas had held up the ball in the penalty box.
Sifas then scored the second, muscling her way through the Samoan defence and rolling the ball into the bottom-left corner to make sure of the win in the 85th minute, and set up a semi-final with New Zealand on Wednesday.
The full-time whistle brought tears of joy for Papua New Guinea, but disappointment for Samoa, ending their hopes of qualifying for a third consecutive FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, after reaching the last two championship finals. They’ll play the Solomon Islands in the fifth place play-off on Thursday instead.
Papua New Guinea: 2 (Delma DUADAK 69’, Chriszanne SIFAS 85’)
Samoa: 0
HT: 0-0
Earlier in the day, New Caledonia claimed top spot in Group B with a 4-1 win over Tonga, setting up a semi-final with Fiji.
Wylone Haewegene scored twice as they finished atop the group standings with nine points and three wins from three – the first time they’ve achieved such a feat in OFC U-16 Women’s Championship history.
Heidra Adjouhgniope opened the scoring inside the first four minutes, finding the back of the net in all three of her group games, after pouncing on a rebound from Tonga goalkeeper Juanita Kiu inside the penalty box.
Haewegene got the second ten minutes later, latching onto a perfectly weighted pass in-behind the defence from Gisele Hace, before Emma Jiako scored the third shortly before half-time with a right-footed effort into the bottom-left corner, wrapping up the contest inside the first 45 minutes.
Haewegene’s second for the fourth New Caledonian goal was a cracker, picking out the top-right corner from the edge of the box in the 51st minute, and rounding out a dominant afternoon for Kenjy Vendegou’s side.
Finishing bottom of Group B, Tonga will face the Cook Islands in the 7th place play-off on Thursday but did at least score a consolation. A flighted free kick delivery towards the penalty box found Anne Tali to scramble the ball into the net.
New Caledonia will move on to face Fiji in the semi-finals at the National Stadium on Wednesday, whilst Papua New Guinea will take on New Zealand, with the winners to also book their tickets to FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2027.
Tonga: 1 (Anne TALI 68’)
New Caledonia: 4 (Heidra ADJOUHGNIOPE 4’, Wylone HAEWEGENE 13’, 51’, Emma JIAKO 41’)
HT: 0-3…PACNEWS
FIJI – FOOTBALL: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 14 Sep 2026
Ba FC claims 18th BOG title
BA, 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 (FBC SPORTS)—Ba FC has claimed its 18th Extra Battle of the Giants title after outclassing a determined Rewa side at the 4R Govind Park Stadium .
The Men in Black started strongly, dominating the opening spell and creating several scoring opportunities as they spent much of the first half camped in the Delta Tigers’ territory.
However, Rewa held firm and frustrated Ba’s attacking efforts, with both sides heading into the half-time break locked at nil-all.
The match took a decisive turn less than five minutes into the second half when Rewa was reduced to 10 men after Sitiveni Rakai was shown a red card.
Ba quickly capitalised on the numerical advantage, with Praneel Naidu finding the back of the net shortly after Rakai’s dismissal to give the hosts the lead.
The Men in Black continued to apply pressure and doubled their advantage when Penisoni Tirau struck to make it 2-0.
Rewa refused to surrender and continued to fight their way back into the contest.
Their persistence paid off when Merril Nand pulled a goal back, giving the Delta Tigers renewed hope.
Rewa pushed forward in search of an equaliser and repeatedly looked for openings in Ba’s defence, but the Men in Black stood firm and held their line until the final hooter to secure the title….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 14 Sep 2026
How NRL greats are driving Gagai’s late-career surge
SYDNEY, 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AAP)—Dane Gagai has declared he will not let anyone retire him, with the Newcastle veteran hell-bent on winning a maiden premiership in his 16th NRL season.
Gagai put on a masterclass in the Knights’ 20-10 sudden-death win over South Sydney on Friday night, baiting Latrell Mitchell and completely outplaying his former teammate.
Bound for Brisbane next year after going unsigned at Newcastle, Gagai is adamant there is still more football left in him.
Beyond getting the better of Mitchell in both attack and defence, the 36-year-old chased down a grubber to score a first-half try and set up another four-pointer for Dom Young.
“I don’t really listen to what other people say. I know within myself what I’m capable of and I won’t let anyone retire me when I’m not ready,” Gagai said.
“I still feel like I’m playing good footy. The body feels good. I still love the game. I still love competing.
‘Once I either lose the passion or the body can’t perform (that’ll change), but until then I’m going to keep playing this beautiful game and keep trying to win.
“I’m chasing a premiership and I want to win the ring. I’ve been playing for 16 years now, and I’ve been in one grand final and I lost that.”
Gagai is three games away from achieving that, with the Knights defying the odds and an ever-growing casualty ward to reach week two of the finals against the Warriors in Auckland.
It would be wrong to suggest Gagai is turning back the clock. Instead, the centre is arguably playing better now than in the first half of his NRL career.
As things stand, he is one of just three players contracted to enter a 17th season or beyond next year, alongside Jason Taumalolo and Ben Hunt.
‘I was very fortunate and blessed that when I come through, I was watching Darren Lockyer and Justin Hodges. I played with those blokes,” Gagai said.
“Seeing them at the back end of their career and at an old age, not one of them ever looked at it like it.
“Their preparation was second to none. They went out on the field, did their job, worked hard and that just made it easy.
“We had Jeremy Smith here at Newcastle who was still doing unbelievable things for us too … So for me, age is just a number,” he said…PACNEWS
USA – RUGBY: AFP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 14 Sep 2026
South Africa complete series victory with Baltimore win against New Zealand
BALTIMORE, 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 (AFP)—South Africa thrashed New Zealand 43-28 to complete a 3-1 victory in the fourth and final match of the Southern Hemisphere rivals’ Test series in Baltimore on Saturday.
The Springboks, who led the series 2-1 after the opening three Tests in South Africa, produced a devastating second-half display at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium to seal victory.
Tries from Damian de Allende, Morne van den Berg, Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt Lee Arendse and Cameron Hanekom clinched a deserved win for the Springboks in front of a capacity 71,000 crowd.
New Zealand’s tries came from recalled captain Codie Taylor, Will Jordan, Ethan Blackadder and Beauden Barrett but the All Blacks were always chasing the South Africans in a fast-paced game.
There was controversy in the first half when play was held up for more than eight minutes after a failure in communication equipment between the match officials.
But that interruption had no impact on the outcome as South Africa’s total dominance at the breakdown, setpiece and aerial battle proved decisive.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi paid tribute to South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus following the victory.
“He knows how to get us up, and when he speaks to us he reminds us where we come from, the country that we come from,” Kolisi said.
“The players who are in the group who are not playing. We do it for them. The guys that are injured, the guys that couldn’t make the tour, and also for the people of South Africa.”
New Zealand skipper Taylor, meanwhile, had few complaints with the defeat.
“We talk a lot about moments throughout the week when we review our Test matches and South Africa just stacked a few more moments against us over the last couple of games,” the veteran hooker said.
“Full credit to them — they’re a great side and they’ve proven why they’re world champions.”
Taylor, though, said the All Blacks would take away positives as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“It’s a good stepping stone,’ he said. “We’re at an interesting place at the moment as a rugby nation.
“”We’ve fallen short in this series but I can assure you and everyone back home that we’re working hard.”
Earlier, South Africa had got the first points on the board via a penalty from fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
But New Zealand came roaring back with a superbly worked try on eight minutes when Jordan and Damian McKenzie combined to open up space down the left flank.
McKenzie was held up just short of the line but scrum-half Cam Roigard spun a bullet pass to Taylor who crashed over.
McKenzie’s conversion made it 7-3 but the next passage of play belonged entirely to South Africa.
The Springboks worked the ball through the phases and veteran lock Eben Etzebeth was halted near the goal-line only for centre de Allende to blast over for a converted try that put South Africa into a 10-7 lead.
Play was then interrupted for several minutes shortly afterwards due to a failure in communications equipment between the match officials, but when play resumed, South Africa were soon back on the attack.
An attacking line-out from a penalty led to a try from scrum-half Morne van den Berg that pushed the score to 17-7 after Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s conversion.
But New Zealand hit back with a scintillating try from Jordan, who hit the line at pace from close range to score after a superb 32-phase move.
South Africa made a flurry of changes in the pack early in the second half and the Springboks immediately had New Zealand under pressure.
A scrum penalty against New Zealand prop Ethan de Groot was kicked to the corner, and from the lineout hooker Marx drove over for a converted score.
Back row star du Toit then dotted down to help South Africa take a 29-14 lead and the game looked all but settled.
Yet a try from New Zealand forward Blackadder helped the All Blacks close to within eight points to raise the possibility of a fightback with just under 20 minutes remaining.
South Africa, though, slammed the door on that possibility, and a fabulous individual try from right wing Arendse followed by replacement Hanekom’s 75th minute score made the game safe.
Beauden Barrett scored a late consolation try for New Zealand…PACNEWS
