In this bulletin:
1. BOXING — PNG boxer Yama defends IBF crown in Auckland
2. BOXING — Legacy drives heavyweight’s savage aim to conquer world
3. RUGBY — Aaron Mauger eesigns as Flying Fijians assistant coach
4. FOOTBALL — Lae City FC Off to winning start
5. FOOTBALL — Dos Santos Medina Hat-Trick Guides Galaxy FC to victory
6. RUGBY LEAGUE — Lae City FC Ooff to winning start
7. RUGBY — Fijiana XV fall to South Africa
8. RUGBY — Fijian rugby player Saimoni Vunilagi dies in Japan aged 26
9. CRICKET — PNG Lewas name squad to face Thailand
10. RUGBY — Two-Venue Semi-final programme confirmed for Super Deans and Raluve competitions
11. RUGBY — Wallabies dig deep to secure tight Japan win in Les Kiss’ debut
12. RUGBY — South Africa win after surviving late Argentina surge
NZ – BOXING: NBC PNG SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 10 Aug 2026
PNG boxer Yama defends IBF crown in Auckland
AUCKLAND, 10 AUGUST 2026 (NBC PNG SPORTS)—Papua New Guinea boxing star Sheilla Yama has successfully defended her International Boxing Federation [IBF] Super Lightweight title after securing a unanimous decision victory over Australia’s Jessica Messina in New Zealand on Saturday night.
The Mt Hagen-born champion faced a stern test at the Eventfinda Stadium against Messina, who holds both the Australian Welterweight and Super Lightweight titles.
Yama went into the bout off a dominant second-round technical knockout victory against previously undefeated Chinese challenger Haini Mulataiaili, and continued her impressive form against the Australian dual-title holder.
The Western Highlands native controlled the pace across the rounds to earn the nod from all three judges on the night.
Since turning professional in 2022, Yama has maintained an unbeaten record of seven wins from seven fights, including three victories by way of knockout.
Following her successful title defense, the 2022 standout is now expected to claim the top contender spot in the latest IBF rankings, clearing the path toward a mandatory world title challenge.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape has praised professional boxer Sheilla Yama following her successful defence of her International Boxing Federation [IBF] International Super Lightweight title in Auckland, New Zealand.
Yama defeated Australian challenger Jessica Messina on Saturday night at Eventfinda Stadium, extending her undefeated professional record to 8-0. The victory moves the Papua New Guinean fighter closer to a world title elimination bout.
The bout was broadcast live nationwide via the National Broadcasting Corporation(NBC).
In a statement, Marape commended Yama’s discipline, sportsmanship, and self-reliance, describing her independent path to professional sports as a model for the country’s youth.
“I am very proud of this young lady. She is humble and professional, and is a great ambassador for Papua New Guinea,” Marape said.
“Without waiting for government, community, or parental support, she has dedicated her life to pursuing a sporting career that she has a passion and love for.”
The Prime Minister urged young Papua New Guineans to adopt a similar proactive mindset across all sectors, including agriculture, education, and small business.
‘We must move away from a culture of dependency,” he said. “When you discover your field of interest, do not wait for external support from government or your community to begin. Enter your field with humility, maintain professional standards, endure the initial hardships, and rely on your own skills and work ethic.”
Yama, who shares family ties across Western Highlands, Oro, and Morobe provinces, grew up in a large household and completed university before taking up boxing at age 25 for physical conditioning.
To transition into professional boxing, she relocated to Hamilton, New Zealand, funding her training by working shifts as a registered nurse and healthcare assistant.
Affiliated with the PNG Boxing Union (PNGBU) under president Gideon Kendino, she trains under former professional boxer Cairo George at Team George Boxing / Hit Fitness HQ.
Yama captured a Professional Boxing Commission (PBC) title in 2025 before securing her IBF belt in May 2026.
PM Marape acknowledged NBC for enabling Papua New Guineans to follow the fight live, wishing Yama and her team continued success in her upcoming international fixtures…PACNEWS
AUST – BOXING: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Legacy drives heavyweight’s savage aim to conquer world
GOLDCOAST, 10 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—Australia heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana is driven by the legacy of his late grandfather to prove he is the best boxer in the world.
It is a massive goal set by a 28-year-old with a huge heart, and a record of 11 professional fights and 11 knockout wins.
His late grandfather, Teremoana Tangauru, was a man who represented everything his grandson wants to be.
The Olympian, who is also a proud Cook Islander, will wrangle with American heavyweight DeAndre Savage on the Gold Coast on 12 August.
“The ultimate goal for me is to win a world title and cement my grandfather’s name into history,” he said.
“Obviously you have got to go one step at a time, which is Savage.
“My grandfather was a great man who talked the talk and walked the walk. I want to be a man just like that.
“So when I say I am the best in the world, I have to back it up. I know it is a bold statement, but I believe I have got the attributes to do so.”
Teremoana has fought at well over 130kg in the past but is now 120kg and at his ideal weight.
“Multiple times I have fought at 137 kilos, 130 and 120. What I have found is that at 120 kilos I am agile, fast and I hit harder,” he said.
Teremoana drew a lot from his Paris 2024 experience, when he became the first Australian to win an Olympic super-heavyweight fight, via a first-round knockout over Ukraine’s Dmytro Lovchynskyi.
“It gave me a lot of confidence because I know I can handle myself with the best in the world, not only handle myself but flatten them on the ground,” he said. Teremoana said he was ready for Savage (11-1) whose 11 wins have all been KOs.
“Savage is a heavy hitter like myself so we have got to watch out for the punches he is going to swing, but I dont think anyone can swing like ‘The Thunder from Down Under’,” Teremoana grinned.
“I want to make every fight a statement, which I have been lucky to do so far. So come August 12 I think someone is going to hit the floor.”
Teremoana was speaking at the Dolphins NRL side’s captain’s run on Friday. The club got behind him during his Olympic campaign. He supports them and will also back Cook Islands at this year’s World Cup.
“It is very, very special because it is who I am. My mother is Australian and my father is a Cook Islander,” he said.
“I was brought up with my father so I was brought up with Cook Islander heritage.
“It is such a small nation with a population of 15,000 so for us to be on the world stage doing boxing as well as the NRL is such an awesome achievement,” he said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FRU PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Aaron Mauger eesigns as Flying Fijians assistant coach
SUVA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI RUGBY)—Fiji Rugby has confirmed that Aaron Mauger has resigned as Assistant Coach of the Flying Fijians, effective immediately.
Fiji Rugby acknowledges and respects Aaron’s decision and extends its sincere appreciation for his outstanding contribution to the Flying Fijians programme.
Throughout his tenure, Aaron brought a wealth of international coaching expertise, leadership, and professionalism to the national team environment. His commitment to developing the squad and the strong relationships he built with players, coaches, and management have made a lasting impact on the program.
Commenting on Aaron’s departure, Fiji Rakavi Football Union Chief Executive Officer Koli Sewabu thanked him for his commitment and contribution to Fiji Rugby.
“On behalf of Fiji Rugby, I would like to sincerely thank Aaron for his professionalism, commitment and the invaluable experience he brought to our national program. His knowledge of the international game, his leadership, and his dedication to our players have made a significant contribution to the Flying Fijians during his time with us.”
“We fully respect his decision and understand the personal considerations behind it. We wish Aaron and his family every success in the future and thank them for the support they have shown throughout his time with Fiji Rugby.”
“Fiji Rugby will appoint a suitable replacement to ensure the Flying Fijians remain well supported as we build towards an important international campaign.”
Fiji Rugby also extends its heartfelt gratitude to Aaron’s family for their unwavering support during his time with the Flying Fijians.
The Fiji Water Flying Fijians will now turn their attention to preparations for the Pacific Nations Cup in September. Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula, together with the coaching and management team, will continue leading squad selection, planning and preparations to ensure the team is ready for the campaign ahead…..PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Lae City FC Off to winning start
LAUTOKA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (OFC)—Lae City FC began their OFC Men’s Champions League tournament in fine style by roaring to an opening day 4-1 win over Cook Islands representatives Tupapa Maraerenga FC in their Group B clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
A convincing display was led by a superb performance from the industrious Nalau Moses who created havoc whenever in possession and was involved in three of the four goals scored by his team.
It took the Papua New Guinean Champions seventeen minutes to break the deadlock and, when they did so, it was a goal of sheer simplicity, but technical efficiency.
A long ball from the defence was helped on its way by Moses into the path of Solomon Kamake and the teenager unerringly drilled his shot across Tupapa Maraerenga FC goalkeeper Tahiri Elikana and into the bottom corner.
Lae City continued to push for a second, a brace of free-kicks testing Elikana, as Tupapa Maraerenga FC were forced to defend resolutely, offering little in the way of positive attacking threat at the other end.
Unfortunately for Lae City, who have reached the Quarter Finals of this competition on two previous occasions, the final pass was often either over hit or under hit denying them the cushion of a two-goal lead until three minutes from the break.
The second breakthrough came from a set-piece from Moses, who swung a ball into the near post where the final touch came off the head of Tupapa Maraerenga FC defender Shane Tuteru, flashing past his own goalkeeper and into the far corner of the net.
Trailing by two, Tupapa Maraerenga FC were forced to chase the game, but it was Lae City who struck again seven minutes into the second half. Excellent interplay between Gorden Mark and Sileon Hatagao saw the former slide an inch-perfect pass in behind the defence for the excellent Moses to reach and prod past the goalkeeper for 3-0.
The Cook Islanders refused to buckle and continued to search for a way back into the contest and they were rewarded with a splendidly taken goal with eighteen minutes remaining.
A swift break culminated in substitute Moses Taokia finding Tremaine Rimene-Albrett whose low shot found the bottom corner, his club’s first OFC Men’s Champions League goal since 2019.
However, Lae City were to have the final word as the match ticked into additional time. A left-wing corner from David Tita was only half-cleared into the path of Ruel Api who juggled the ball before blasting a fine finish high across the goalkeeper and into the roof of the net.
Group B
Lae City FC 4 (Soloman KAMAKE 17’, Shane TUTERU 43’ (og), Nalau MOSES 52’, Ruel API 90+2’) Tupapa Maraerenga FC 1 (Tremaine RIMENE-ALBRETT 72’)
HT: 2-0…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Dos Santos Medina Hat-Trick Guides Galaxy FC to victory
LAUTOKA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (OFC)—A hat-trick from Willian Dos Santos Medina helped Galaxy FC to a stunning 4-1 victory over Rewa FC as the Vanuatu champions began their OFC Men’s Champions League campaign with all three points at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
Galaxy FC made a dream start as they took the lead with a spectacular goal in just the fourth minute. Andrew Malakai collected a short pass from a throw-in some thirty-five metres from goal close to the touchline and took aim with a speculative drive. His shot hit the back off a covering defender and looped high over the goalkeeper and into the net.
Rewa FC responded well forcing a sharp stop from Michael Laulae in the Galaxy FC goal, as player/coach Tevita Waranaivalu began to pull the strings in the Fijian club’s midfield, but Galaxy FC were proving to be a stubborn unit to break down.
The Vanuatu side, meanwhile, who qualified by winning the 2025 Port Vila Premier League, were looking sharp on the counterattack, allowing Rewa to dictate much of the possession content that their well-organised defensive shape would be ample to frustrate their opponents.
It was via one of these counterattacks that Galaxy doubled the lead on the cusp of half-time. Malakai chipped a ball over the retreating Rewa FC defence into the path of Dos Santos Medina and the Brazilian skipped around the advancing James Do’oro, who had come to meet the ball, before clubbing a superb finish from out wide into the gaping goal.
Life got even better for Galaxy FC seven minutes into the second half. Roberson Dos Santos Ribiero challenged with Rewa FC goalkeeper Do’oro and crucially won a header that fell to the feet of Dos Santos Medina who had the simplest of tasks to stab the ball into the open goal.
Chasing a 3-0 deficit Rewa FC needed an instant response, and they got it six minutes later. Don Keana floated in a delightful corner which was met at the near post by Gabiriele Matanisiga at the near post whose flicked header flashed home to reduce the arrears.
But Galaxy FC were thereafter back in the ascendancy. Dos Santos Medina was given the opportunity to complete his treble when Galaxy FC were awarded a spot-kick with four minutes left, much to the chagrin of the Rewa FC players who felt Do’oro had played the ball hen challenging.
The Brazilian did not pass up the chance, crashing home the resultant penalty to complete his trio of goals and give Galaxy FC the perfect start to the tournament.
Galaxy FC 4 (Andrew MALAKAI 4’, Willian DOS SANTOS MEDINA 45’, 52’, 86’ (p)) Rewa FC 1 (Gabiriele MATANISIGA 58’)
HT: 2-0…PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Lae City FC Ooff to winning start
LAE, 10 AUGUST 2026 (OFC)—Lae City FC began their OFC Men’s Champions League 2026 campaign in fine style by roaring to an opening day 4-1 win over Cook Islands representatives Tupapa Maraerenga FC in their Group B clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
A convincing display was led by a superb performance from the industrious Nalau Moses who created havoc whenever in possession and was involved in three of the four goals scored by his team.
It took the Papua New Guinean Champions seventeen minutes to break the deadlock and, when they did so, it was a goal of sheer simplicity, but technical efficiency.
A long ball from the defence was helped on its way by Moses into the path of Solomon Kamake and the teenager unerringly drilled his shot across Tupapa Maraerenga FC goalkeeper Tahiri Elikana and into the bottom corner.
Lae City continued to push for a second, a brace of free-kicks testing Elikana, as Tupapa Maraerenga FC were forced to defend resolutely, offering little in the way of positive attacking threat at the other end.
Unfortunately for Lae City, who have reached the Quarter Finals of this competition on two previous occasions, the final pass was often either over hit or under hit denying them the cushion of a two-goal lead until three minutes from the break.
The second breakthrough came from a set-piece from Moses, who swung a ball into the near post where the final touch came off the head of Tupapa Maraerenga FC defender Shane Tuteru, flashing past his own goalkeeper and into the far corner of the net.
Trailing by two, Tupapa Maraerenga FC were forced to chase the game, but it was Lae City who struck again seven minutes into the second half. Excellent interplay between Gorden Mark and Sileon Hatagao saw the former slide an inch-perfect pass in behind the defence for the excellent Moses to reach and prod past the goalkeeper for 3-0.
The Cook Islanders refused to buckle and continued to search for a way back into the contest and they were rewarded with a splendidly taken goal with eighteen minutes remaining.
A swift break culminated in substitute Moses Taokia finding Tremaine Rimene-Albrett whose low shot found the bottom corner, his club’s first OFC Men’s Champions League goal since 2019.
However, Lae City were to have the final word as the match ticked into additional time. A left-wing corner from David Tita was only half-cleared into the path of Ruel Api who juggled the ball before blasting a fine finish high across the goalkeeper and into the roof of the net.
Lae City FC 4 (Soloman KAMAKE 17′, Shane TUTERU 43′ (og), Nalau MOSES 52′, Ruel API 90+2′)
Tupapa Maraerenga FC 1 (Tremaine RIMENE-ALBRETT 72′)
HT: 2-0…PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Fijiana XV fall to South Africa
SUVA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—The Fijiana XV suffered a heavy 55-12 defeat against the Springbok Women in their first trial match at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
South Africa took a 27-7 lead into halftime before extending its advantage in the second half.
The Fijiana opened the second half with a try but struggled to capitalise on their opportunities as the visitors continued to apply pressure.
Head coach Willie Walker said despite the loss, the match provided the team with a valuable indication of where they currently stand and the areas that need improvement.
“I can’t say how proud I am of our players today. They put up a great fight. South Africa was always going to be a tough ask for us today,” Walker said.
“What it does is give us a gauge of where we are currently and the areas that we need to be better at for next week.”
Walker said the team would use the weekend to review the match before working on the identified areas ahead of their next encounter against South Africa.
The coach said discipline and defence were among the main areas the team needed to address.
“We can’t allow discipline to dictate the way we play. We’ll have a review of what that looks like and how we move forward into next week,” he said.
The Fijiana captain said their defence also needed significant improvement after South Africa exposed gaps in their defensive line.
Fijiana captain Kolora Lomani said the team had expected a physical opening from the Springboks but struggled to maintain the plans they had prepared during the week.
“It was tough out there tonight. South Africa did give us what we expected in that first 20 minutes of the game,” Lomani said.
“Now we’ve just got to go back, rewatch our clips and see what we can do better leading into next week’s game.”
“They came up strong up front and we kind of just slipped off a few tackles. We just have to go back and fix up a few things and we can come back stronger next week,” she said.
She said the halftime message was centred on defensive connection and retaining possession.
“I think it was just our defence that really let us down. Our attack was a bit there, but we just gave the ball back to them a bit easier,” she said…..PACNEWS
JAPAN – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Fijian rugby player Saimoni Vunilagi dies in Japan aged 26
OSAKA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—Fijian rugby player Saimoni Vunilagi has died of suspected heatstroke after a training session in Japan. He was 26.
His death was announced on Saturday by his team, Kyushu Electric Power Kyuden Voltex – known as Kyushu KV.
The Japanese second-division club said Vunilagi died on Friday after falling ill Monday and being hospitalised.
“After team practice on Monday … Saimoni displayed symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke,” the team said in a statement on Saturday.
“He was transported to a medical facility for treatment, but despite the best efforts of the medical team, he sadly passed away.”
Kyushu KV is based in Fukuoka, a city in southwestern Japan. Temperatures there reportedly reached around 35 degrees Celsius on Monday.
“The players, staff, and all team associates are devastated by this sudden news,” the team said.
Back rower Vunilagi joined Kyushu KV last month, having previously played in the Japanese top flight with Tokyo Sungoliath.
“Although Saimoni had only recently joined Kyushu KV, his generous spirit and powerful style of play had raised high hopes for his contributions in the upcoming season,” Kyushu KV added.
“We humbly pray for the repose of his soul and extend our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.”
The club supplied no other details surrounding the death. News reports said he was from Fiji.
A minute’s silence was observed before the Japan v Australia Test match in Osaka. Vunilagi’s former Suntory teammates Kanji Shimokawa and Naoto Saito both started for the hosts….PACNEWS
PNG – CRICKET: NBC PNG SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 10 Aug 2026
PNG Lewas name squad to face Thailand
PORT MORESBY, 10 AUGUST 2026 (NBC PNG SPORTS)—Cricket Papua New Guinea [CPNG] has named a strong 14-player PNG Lewas squad to face Thailand in an international five-match series starting on Monday at Amini Park in Port Moresby.
The Lewas, led by skipper Brenda Tau and assisted by vice-captain Pauke Siaka, will take on the visitor in two Twenty20 Internationals [T20I] followed by three 50-over matches.
The series opener bowls off at 11am today, followed by the second T20I on Tuesday morning at 9:30am. The teams then transition into the 50-over format starting Thursday.
PNG, ranked 12th in the ICC Women’s T20 standings, face a tough test against the 11th-ranked Thais in what promises to be a closely fought contest on home soil.
The Lewas will look to replicate their success from last year when they defeated Thailand on their home ground.
CPNG said the series was part of its ongoing commitment to provide high-level international exposure for the national women’s side and strengthen cricket in the country.
Local fans have been urged to flock to Amini Park throughout the week to back the Lewas.
PNG Lewas: Brenda Tau [captain], Pauke Siaka [vice-captain], Konio Oala, Hollan Doriga, Tanya Ruma, Sibona Jimmy, Naoani Vare, Henao Thomas, Isabel Toua, Hane Lohia Tau, Geua Tom, Dika Lohia, Buruka Vicky, Kevau Gabe. Standby: Kevau Frank, Erani Pokana…..PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FRU PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Two-Venue Semi-final programme confirmed for Super Deans and Raluve competitions
SUVA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (FRU)—The Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Interim Committee, with the full support of the Ministry of Education and the Fiji Rugby Football Union (FRFU), has confirmed a two-venue programme for the semi-finals of Super Deans and Raluve competitions following extensive consultation and planning.
The initiative reflects the continued growth of Fiji’s premier secondary schools’ rugby competitions and reinforces the shared commitment to providing meaningful development opportunities for young players while creating an unforgettable experience for schools, supporters and the wider rugby community.
As part of the programme, selected school semi-final matches will be played alongside the second Test match between the Vodafone Fijiana XV and South Africa’s Springbok Women, giving Fiji’s emerging rugby talent the unique opportunity to perform on one of the country’s biggest rugby stages.
Interim Committee representative Biu Colati said the programme had been designed with the long-term development of school rugby at its heart.
“Our priority has always been to provide the best possible experience for our student-athletes while continuing to strengthen the development pathway for school rugby,” Colati said.
“This programme gives our young players the rare opportunity to perform on the same stage as our national team, exposing them to the atmosphere and standards of international rugby while celebrating the very best of school rugby. It is an experience that will inspire many of these players as they continue their rugby journey.”
“We sincerely thank the Ministry of Education, the Fiji Rugby Football Union, participating schools, competition officials, sponsors, volunteers and supporters for working together to make this programme possible. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to growing school rugby and creating opportunities for the next generation of Fiji rugby players.”
Four secondary school’s semi-finals will feature as part of the Test match programme at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
The day will begin with the Vodafone Super Deans Under-14 semi-final between Ratu Navula College and Ratu Kadavulevu School and the U19 between Ratu Navula College and LMS and followed by the Raluve Under-16 semi-final between Sigatoka Methodist College and St Vincent College.
At 1.00pm, the Fijiana XV will take on the Springbok Women in the second Test of the series. Following a fiercely contested opening encounter, the Fijiana will be aiming to level the series and retain the Ubuntu-Bula Trophy in front of their home supporters.
The day’s final match will feature the Vodafone Super Deans Under-18 semi-final between Suva Grammar School and one of this season’s most inspiring teams, Ra High School.
Ra High School has enjoyed a remarkable campaign after entering the Northern competition as the Western Division’s fourth-ranked qualifier before emerging as the North’s top qualifier.
The team has since captured the Western Division title and now returns to the national semi-finals as the West’s representative, highlighting the depth of talent, resilience and competitive spirit that has defined this year’s competition.
Remaining Semi-Final Fixtures
The remaining Super Deans and Raluve semi-final fixtures will be played across HFC Bank Stadium, Buckhurst Ground 1 and Bides Ground.
The confirmed draw, including match venues and kick-off times, will be soon.
The Interim Committee extends its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education, participating schools, competition officials, sponsors, volunteers, supporters and all stakeholders for their continued partnership and commitment in delivering another exciting chapter of Fiji’s premier secondary schools rugby competitions.
Complete Semi-Final Fixtures
Vodafone Super Deans Under-14
• Ratu Navula College vs Ratu Kadavulevu School (West)
• Queen Victoria School vs MGM
Vodafone Super Deans Under-15
• Lelean Memorial School vs Marist Brothers High School
• Queen Victoria School vs Ratu Kadavulevu School
Vodafone Super Deans Under-16
• NSS vs Suva Grammar School
• Queen Victoria School vs MGM
Vodafone Super Deans Under-17
• Ba Methodist High School vs Ratu Kadavulevu School
• Queen Victoria School vs Suva Grammar School
Vodafone Super Deans Under-19
• Ratu Navula College vs Lelean Memorial School ( West)
• Ratu Kadavulevu School vs Navatu Secondary School
Weet-Bix Raluve Under-16
• Sigatoka Methodist College vs St Vincent College (West)
• Adi Cakobau School vs NSS
Weet-Bix Raluve Under-18
• Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School vs Adi Cakobau School
• Sila Central High School vs Lomary Secondary School
Vodafone Super Deans Under-18
• Suva Grammar School vs Ra High School (West)
• Lelean Memorial School vs Nasinu Secondary School….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 10 Aug 2026
Wallabies dig deep to secure tight Japan win in Les Kiss’ debut
OSAKA, 10 AUGUST 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Coach Les Kiss’ tenure as Wallabies coach has started with a 35-32 win over Japan in Osaka.
The Australians were pushed all the way, forced to dig deep after a red card to Miles Amatosero in the first half.
Watch every second of the Wallabies’ Tests against Japan live and on demand via Stan Sport.
In the end, the quality of the bench proved the difference, as they survived the heat and a fierce Japanese comeback.
The temperature stayed close to 30 degrees throughout the game as the fresh legs of Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou powered them home.
“We’re really happy with the win,” said skipper Harry Wilson,
“We’re really happy with that, there’s plenty to work on, I thought we hurt ourselves way too much, but when we held on to the ball and went through them, I thought we looked good too.”
The visitors were left to scramble after Amatosero was red-carded in the 32nd minute for a dangerous cleanout.
With the Aussies on the attack, Amatosero was initially yellow-carded for collecting Warner Dearns in the head with his shoulder as he looked to clean him out right on Japan’s goal-line
It was upgraded right before the break, both teams entering half-time locked at 14-all.
Japan’s counter-attacks were deadly, with flyhalf Ryunosuke Ito’s nice individual effort delivering the first points.
The Wallabies attack eventually found its feet after Harry Potter produced an excellent break for the response. Hunter Paisami created the chance after picking a loose pass, the visitors spreading to the other wing for the Waratah to cut back inside for the try.
Sharp hands from the Australians put Tom Wright into space, burning his opposition number for the 14-7 lead after a great set play left Japan short for numbers.
Their attempts to extend their advantage were thwarted by Amatosero’s departure, with the hosts striking via number eight Faulua Makisi to level the scores.
The Wallabies rallied in the second half down a player, finding the line through Fraser McReight and Max Jorgensen for a nine-pointer lead.
Japan kept eating into the Australian advantage, Takuro Matsunaga slotting two penalties to reduce it to just three.
But the Wallabies bench’s timely inclusion was the difference in the contest.
It allowed the visitors to control the tempo and the territory in the final 20 minutes, keeping the pressure on the Japanese defence.
The vital blow came with ten minutes to go via Taniela Tupou, crashing over from close for a 10 point lead.
It proved critical, Japan scoring late to set up the grandstand finish through their skipper Warner Dearns.
With Japan given one last chance to attack, Tupou helped dislodge the ball, allowing the Aussies to come away victorious.
“The coaching team were very calm and collected, didn’t let our emotions run. Made sure we managed our energy with 14 men, which was crucial,” Kiss said. “
“We had to find a way … to repel them. Very proud of the effort in those conditions because we’ve seen what the Japanese team can do.”
Wallabies 35 (Tries: Potter, Wright, Jorgensen, McReight, Tupou; Cons: Lonergan 4/4, Donaldson 1/1) def Japan 32 (Tries: Ito, Makisi, Ueda, Dearns; Cons: Matsunaga 3/4; Pens: Matsunaga 2/2)…PACNEWS
ARG – RUGBY: AFP PACNEWS SPORT: Mon 10 Aug 2026
South Africa win after surviving late Argentina surge
BUENOS AIRES, 10 AUGUST 2026 (AFP)—World champions South Africa withstood a 15-phase post-hooter attack to edge Argentina 17-10 in a tense one-off Test in Buenos Aires on Saturday and stretch a winning streak to 12 internationals.
Pumas substitute wing Matias Moroni sobbed as the final whistle blew after he knocked on a pass with the tryline at his mercy.
After poor recent form by Argentina, losing at home to Scotland and England in the Nations Championship, they showed vast improvement against the record four-time world champions.
South Africa captain and flanker Siya Kolisi, whose return from injury lasted only 25 minutes before limping off, said the Test turned out as he expected.
“It was a tough game. A lot of our players are coming back from injuries. We did not execute well in the first half,” he told reporters.
“The Pumas are a great team and are passionate, just like us. This is why we like coming here. We are looking forward to the coming All Blacks series and this was a great preparation.
“I hurt my hamstring again so I will have to go for a scan. It is really tough,’ he added, with the first Test against arch rivals New Zealand on 22 August.
Displaying commitment and physicality, the Pumas led 10-3 for most of the first half at a packed Estadio Jose Amalfitani, which ended with the teams level at 10 points each.
The Springboks dominated the second half, but 63 minutes had elapsed before the vital breakthrough came from outstanding No. 8 Cameron Hanekom.
South Africa won a scrum five metres from the Argentine tryline and Hanekom barged over for a try that Handre Pollard converted.
A nervous finish for South Africa saw Argentina force a 50-22 line-out, then a tap-and-go penalty, which ended sadly for Moroni.
Argentina, lacking unavailable captain and hooker Julian Montoya and suspended fly-half Tomas Albornoz, went ahead on three minutes when playmaker Santiago Carreras slotted a penalty.
Fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, one of several Springboks making their first appearances of the season after injuries, levelled soon after from a close-range penalty.
Flanker Benjamin Grondona then received the ball after a maul, powered his way to the tryline and Carreras converted.
The world champions levelled on the stroke of half-time when wing Edwill van der Merwe showed superb pace to dart along the touchline then touch down between the posts.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted and South Africa left the field for the break relieved to be level after failing to sparkle in a scrappy first half.
Carreras struck the post from a second-half penalty, then Andre Esterhuizen was held up over the tryline before Hanekom struck.
Both sides were preparing for home series. South Africa play four Tests against New Zealand and Argentina two against Australia….PACNEWS
