In this bulletin:
1. RUGBY LEAGUE — ‘Can’t compete’: Super coaches weigh into PNG debate
2. RUGBY LEAGUE — Rugby League World Cup pay gap raises fairness concerns
3. RUGBY LEAGUE — V’landys denies Chiefs’ tax-free unfair for others
4. RUGBY LEAGUE — To’o ticks ‘huge box’ for PNG: Chiefs general manager
5. RUGBY — Team chemistry vital says Fijiana captain
6. FOOTBALL — Rewa FC kickstart campaign with crucial victory
7. FOOTBALL — Magnificent Medina hat-trick books semi-final spot for Galaxy FC
8. RUGBY — Maddison Levi named in Wallaroos squad for 100th Test in Auckland
9. RUGBY — All Blacks bite back with eight-try Sharks feast
10. RUGBY — Wallabies wary of fast Eddie and his Japan speedsters
11. RUGBY — Pools revealed for rugby sevens at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 13 Aug 2026
‘Can’t compete’: Super coaches weigh into PNG debate
SYDNEY, 13 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—Trent Robinson won’t be raging about the inequality of the tax breaks afforded to the PNG Chiefs, even if he believes the NRL’s open market is no longer a “level playing field”.
After Penrith winger Brian To’o became the sixth player wooed by the start-up franchise’s tax-free wages, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary declared clubs ‘can’t compete” with the bounty the Chiefs can provide from 2028.
Cleary revealed he was in tears when To’o informed him he would leave Penrith to join the Chiefs, who critics – led by South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett – have said now have an unfair advantage in attracting talent.
The salary cap has been an equaliser of talent but Bennett has claimed the NRL has eroded the competition’s fairness by giving the Chiefs such an upper hand.
The Chiefs’ advantages are in contrast to the few concessions afforded to the Perth Bears, who will enter the NRL next season.
“It’s not a level playing field and I think you can see that,” said Sydney Roosters coach Robinson.
“We’ve got (it on) one (hand) where we feel like it’s not a level playing field and the other where we feel like they need more assistance.
“We’re going to debate … but do we want our game to grow?
“We’re not going to stop at 19 (teams) … we should own the Pacific.
“If we want more money in the game, want to expand, we need more teams so I think it’s a positive thing – players are going to go.”
Penrith were the latest club to feel that pinch when they gave To’o, who enters the last 12 months of his deal in November, a seven-day window to explore his options for 2028.
The winger signed with the Chiefs without visiting PNG, joining Jarome Luai, Connor Watson, Alex Johnston and Zac Lomax in agreeing to deals with the NRL’s 19th side.
“I had a little moment the other day, just very sad that Bizza’s going to be going,” the usually stoic Cleary said.
“There would’ve been a few (tears) … It’s just hard to imagine ‘Biz’ playing in any other jersey. But there’s a few guys out there that I thought the same.”
Since their rise to premiership dominance in 2020, the Panthers have become accustomed to salary cap pressure squeezing out key players.
But they are especially vulnerable after 2027, with the cashed-up Chiefs emerging just as they battle to hold on to co-captains Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary, as well as premiership players Paul Alamoti, Liam Martin and Moses Leota.
“I think everyone knows with the Chiefs, it’s hard to match that stuff,” Cleary said.
“It’s not your average club, but if players want to go there you can’t compete.”
Asked whether the Chiefs had unfairly skewed the player market, Cleary recalled some wisdom from Marty Gurr, who was on the coaching staff during his early playing days at Manly.
“I remember when I first played 35 years ago, my first coach said to me ‘rugby league isn’t fair’,” Cleary said.
“I think he was right. I’ve worked that out along the way. Whether it’s fair or not, that’s what the game’s gone with. I can understand it.”
Since overcoming the initial emotional blow of To’o’s impending exit, Cleary has turned his attention to Penrith’s task of retaining their stable of stars before September.
“We’re very hopeful of having a few of them done (soon), you definitely don’t want to be going into the finals doing this sort of stuff,” he said…. PACNEWS
PAC – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 13 Aug 2026
Rugby League World Cup pay gap raises fairness concerns
PORT MORESBY, 13 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL)–A major pay gap between Australia and the other 13 nations competing at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup has raised fresh questions about fairness in international rugby league.
Australian players selected for the Kangaroos will receive a flat AUD$40,000 (K124,984) each for representing their country at the World Cup. Players from the other competing nations, including the PNG Kumuls, are guaranteed only AUD$850 (K2,655) per match from the tournament organisers.
The figures were reported by The Sydney Morning Herald and confirmed in subsequent reports, highlighting a huge difference in payments between Australia and the rest of the international field.
Under the reported arrangement, a player from one of the 13 other nations who plays every match and reaches the World Cup final would receive a maximum of AUD$4,250 (K13,279) in standard match payments. That is almost 10 times less than the AUD$40,000 (about K125,000) guaranteed to each Australian player.
For PNG, the issue comes at an important time as the PNG Kumuls prepare to host World Cup matches and compete in a tough Group C alongside England, Samoa and Lebanon.
The Kumuls are scheduled to play Samoa and Lebanon at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby before travelling to Australia to face England.
The pay difference is largely linked to the financial strength of the national governing bodies.
Australia has a much stronger commercial base and was able to negotiate the AUD$40,000(US$28.247) payment for its players through an agreement between the Australian Rugby League Commission and the Rugby League Players’ Association.
The other nations rely on the tournament’s standard payments, with their own rugby league bodies able to provide additional money if they have the financial resources.
But, for many Pacific nations including PNG, funding remains a major challenge. The difference has also become an important issue for players who are eligible to represent more than one country.
Some established NRL players have been considering switching their international allegiance to Pacific nations such as Samoa and Tonga. That decision could mean giving up a significant amount of money compared with what they could earn playing for Australia.
The issue is important for the Kumuls because Papua New Guinea has a growing number of players competing in the NRL and Queensland Cup. The Kumuls are also entering the World Cup with increased expectations after PNG secured four home matches for the tournament.
The financial gap means players representing PNG could receive far less from the tournament than Australian players….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY LEAGUE: 9 SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 13 Aug 2026
V’landys denies Chiefs’ tax-free unfair for others
SYDNEY, 13 AUGUST 2026 (9 SPORTS) —The aggressive recruitment spree from the PNG Chiefs has continued with the signing of Brian To’o – but ARLC executive chairman Peter V’landys denies the tax-free incentives have made for an unfair playing field.
To’o will reunite with former Panthers teammate and close friend Jarome Luai as part of the Chiefs’ inaugural squad, inking a three-year deal.
To’o is the sixth player to officially sign with the NRL’s 19th team, who will also welcome the likes of Zac Lomax, Alex Johnston and Connor Watson.
However, the fact players who are heading to the Chiefs will be able to earn a tax-free salary has created plenty of noise and backlash within the game.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett took aim at the situation recently, but V’landys doesn’t believe it has become unfair and explained his stance.
“Where everyone has got it wrong in my view is it’s still the same salary cap – it’s the same salary cap as every other club and eventually, that salary cap will be exhausted and they will get their players,” he told 9News Sydney.
“Yes, certainly tax-free is designed to attract players and so it should, because it’s a challenge for the player and they’ve got to be given every opportunity.”
Chammas, who worked in the media until taking on the role, believes frustration from NRL rivals means the Chiefs are heading in the right direction.
“Clubs are going to say it’s unfair, there’s going to be self-interest and I completely understand that … we can wear that as a badge of honour,” he told 9News Sydney.
“If clubs are upset with the way we’re heading, it means we’re putting a team together that’s going to be competitive.
“If they weren’t, I’d be more annoyed because it means they’re not taking us seriously and we’re not making the right moves.”
The strength of their early signings has put the rest of the NRL on high-alert, but Sharks great Wade Graham has urged the expansion franchise to be mindful of the depth in the squad given the nature of the 27-round regular season.
“They’re doing a remarkable job,” Graham said.
“The guys they’ve signed, it’s fantastic – but they need depth as well, there’s going to be injuries. If they just sign 18 top-tier players and all of a sudden, a couple of big injuries occur, they need to have that squad balance.
“The calibre of players they’ve managed to sign is wonderful, and they’ve obviously got plans to keep being aggressive … but there’s still a long way to go.”
English great James Graham echoed those sentiments, but also believes attracting so many stars early could help them land some depth signings.
“They enter this period (November) with big names already in and what that gives you is leverage for those middle-tier players,” he said.
“You’ve got the tax-free incentive, but you’ve also got a really competitive roster.
“Those middle-tier players, squad numbers 10 to 20 where you’re really going to get some value out of, they can be an attractive destination. It’s still got some holes in it, but they are so far advanced.”
While it’s still a long way off, the Chiefs are heading in the direction few could have predicted and To’o joining only helps develop and grow the Pacific identity that the club will be built on, given his standing as a proud Samoan international.
“This signing is about much more than football,” chief executive officer Lorna McPherson said.
“Across our region, family, culture, community and rugby league are deeply connected. Brian represents those values every time he takes the field.
“He is fiercely proud of his Samoan heritage, incredibly close to his family and understands what it means to represent something bigger than yourself. That is exactly the kind of person we want wearing the Chiefs jersey.”
Chammas added: “Brian understands family, sacrifice, humility, and togetherness….PACNEWS
PNG – RUGBY LEAGUE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 13 Aug 2026
To’o ticks ‘huge box’ for PNG: Chiefs general manager
PORT MORESBY, 13 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Brian To’o’s character away from rugby league was a major factor in the PNG Chiefs’ decision to sign the Penrith Panthers star winger, club general manager of football Michael Chammas has said.
To’o has agreed to join the PNG Chiefs from 2028, adding another major name to the new NRL franchise’s growing recruitment list.
But Chammas said the Chiefs were not only interested in what the powerful winger could deliver on the field.
He said To’o’s strong family values, cultural background and community work made him the type of player the Chiefs wanted to build their club around.
“Yeah, for sure, it sends a message to our fans, to everyone in the game, the kind of person we’re after, and not just what he does on the field.”
To’o has already built a strong reputation as a winner during his time with the Panthers.
He has also represented Samoa and New South Wales, giving him experience at the highest levels of the game.
Chammas said To’o’s achievements on the field spoke for themselves. However, it was To’o’s qualities away from rugby league that particularly impressed the Chiefs football department.
Chammas said the club was looking for players who could help create the right culture when the new team comes together.
“Everyone talks about the challenges we’ll face in living together and, if we had a lot of Brian To’o living together, I don’t think we’d have any problems,” he said.
“That definitely ticks a huge box for us as a club.”
Chammas described To’o as a cultural and family man, saying those qualities fit strongly with the values the Chiefs want to establish.
Chammas predicted the former Panthers star could become a major fan favourite in Papua New Guinea even before he plays his first match for the club.
“Everyone in PNG will become a cult hero for the people of PNG,” he said.
With the Chiefs continuing to build their squad ahead of their NRL debut, Chammas said the To’o signing was an important day for the club as it indicates that we are on track….PACNEWS
FIJI – RUGBY: FBC SPORTS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 13 Aug 2026
Team chemistry vital says Fijiana captain
SUVA, 13 AUGUST 2026 (FBC TV)—While the Vodafone Fijiana XV squad features several new and younger players, captain Kolora Lomani says team chemistry remains strong.
Playing against a Tier One nation like South Africa, Lomani believes the bond between players will be crucial.
She says the senior and new players have blended well over the past few weeks, building a strong connection as they prepare to take on the Springboks this weekend.
With the Fijiana determined to stand their ground and prove their worth, Lomani says the team is ready for the challenge.
“The bond within the team has been really strong and we bonded well this week. Again it’s all about learning together, especially with the game last weekend being the first test for us as a whole new group and it’s a big learning for us. Some of the girls are new to this international level of rugby, so again it’s a learning process for us and we’ll just move on from here.”
Lomani says her side will use this week’s preparations to address the issues that contributed to Saturday’s defeat to South Africa as it looks to level the two-Test series in Lautoka.
Lomani believes discipline and the collision battle were key areas that let Fiji down in the opening encounter.
“I guess it was just our discipline and our collision that let us down.”
The experienced halfback says the team will review its performance thoroughly before turning its attention to the series finale.
“We’ve just got to go back now and watch our clips and see what we can do better into next game.”
With another shot at the South Africans on home soil, Lomani says the squad is focused on learning from its mistakes and producing a stronger performance in Lautoka.
The Fijiana will face South Africa at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday at 2pm. ….PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 13 Aug 2026
Rewa FC kickstart campaign with crucial victory
LAUTOKA, 13 AUGUST 2026 (OFC)—Rewa FC secured a much-needed victory over Tupapa Maraerenga FC to keep their OFC Men’s Champions League dreams alive on home soil in Ba.
Both sides were looking to bounce back from opening day defeats, with Rewa in particular keen to get their first points on the board, as they tried to take advantage of a passionate home crowd in warm and humid conditions.
They started by far the brighter side, but despite their efforts struggled to trouble Tupapa Maraerenga’s defence in the early stages. Setareki Hughes and Don Keana were leading the charge for Rewa, but goalkeeper Tahiri Elikana remained largely untested.
Ramzan Khan stood out as one of Rewa’s top performers as they grew into the game and he came closest to opening the scoring with a rasping effort from distance that Elikana did well to tip onto the crossbar.
Josaia Sela was next to create a good chance and should have done better with the opportunity. The forward worked his way in-field from the left-hand channel, cutting inside and firing wide of the near post when he should have hit the target.
Tupapa worked hard to try and catch their opponents on the break, but struggled to take advantage of Rewa’s high defensive line.
It was little surprise when the deadlock was finally broken and even less surprise that it came via the excellent Khan. The midfielder unleashed another long-range effort and this one proved too good for Elikana, flying past the ‘keeper and into the top corner to give Rewa a half-time lead.
Tupapa had struggled to get a foothold in the first-half but within seconds of the restart they were level. Catching the Rewa defence cold, Tremaine Rimene-Albrett was played clean through by Honoura Maraetefau and he made no mistake, sliding the ball past the on-rushing Epeli Loaniceva.
Parity wouldn’t last long however, as Rewa hit back almost immediately. Don Keana showing his pace and power down the right, beating his man and crossing for Joseph Athale. The New Caledonian initally lost control of the ball, but reacted quickest in the box to scramble home from a few yards out.
Rewa were determined to try and press home their advantage having regained the lead. Athale continued to look dangerous, whilst Setareki Hughes came close with a trademark left-footed effort that narrowly flew past the far post.
Hughes would have another, similar opportunity shortly after and it led to Rewa’s third goal. Substitute Merrill Nand’s corner was cleared only as far as Hughes and after creating space himself, he curled his effort into the far corner to double Rewa’s lead.
Brazilian Lucas Santos was brought on in the final twenty minutes for Rewa and the forward looked dangerous from the outset, including a testing drive that goalkeeper Elikana held at the second attempt.
A fourth would arrive for Rewa with just five minutes remaining, when Josaia Sela met an excellent cross from the left from Kavaia Rawaqa – his initial header was well saved by Elikana but Sela reacted to bury the rebound.
Tupapa worked hard to the end and were rewarded for doing so with a late consolation. Honoura Maraetefau taking advantage of a slack pass from goalkeeper Loaniceva, picking up the ball and firing home as it finished 4-2.
Rewa FC: 4 (Ramzan KHAN 40′, Joseph ATHALE 48′, Setareki HUGHES 67′, Josaia SELA 85′)
Tupapa Maraerenga FC: 2 (Tremaine RIMENE-ALBRETT 47′, Honoura MARAETEFAU 90+4′)
HT: 1-0…PACNEWS
PAC – FOOTBALL: OFC PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 13 Aug 2026
Magnificent Medina hat-trick books semi-final spot for Galaxy FC
LAUTOKA, 13 AUGUST 2026 (OFC)—A stunning hat-trick from Brazilian forward Willian Dos Santos Medina has secured Galaxy FC’s place in the semi-finals of the OFC Men’s Champions League with a 3-1 victory over Papua New Guinea.
Both sides had registered impressive 4-1 wins on the competition’s opening day and were keen to build momentum as they looked towards the final four.
It was Galaxy FC who started the better of the two teams, but chances were at a premium, with the Vanuatu side restricted to speculative crosses from out wide – unable to trouble goalkeeper Ronald Warisan.
Lae City in contrast struggled to get a foot on the ball in the early stages, but when they did, they made it count – opening the scoring against the run of play. An excellent free-kick curled into the area from Langarap Samol was met by a dominant header from Charles Hayes, beating goalkeeper Michael Laulae to the ball and opening the scoring.
As to be expected, Galaxy responded well, with the contest carrying a bit of edge throughout the opening 45 minutes. The Brazilian duo of Willian Dos Santos Medina and Roberson Dos Santos Ribiero were the main threats and it was the latter who almost restored parity – Ribiero’s effort from range beating Warisan but cannoning back off the crossbar.
His compatriot Medina had better luck shortly after. The forward latching on to a long ball over the top from Tasso Jeffrey – beating the offside trap before expertly lifting his effort over Warisan and finding the net to make it 1-1 going into the half-time break.
Galaxy picked up where they left off after the interval, with Medina the main man. The Brazilian had an early half-chance, hooking an effort wide from an awkward angle following a corner kick.
Lae City should have retaken the lead not long after when Solomon Kamake was played through on goal, only for the forward to hit the side netting having done the hard work in rounding the goalkeeper.
They were made to pay for such profligacy and to no surprise it was Medina who did the damage.
The Brazilian gave Galaxy the lead in the 69th minute, racing onto a through ball from Ribiero, before prodding an effort past the poorly positioned Warisan.
A minute later and the two combined again – Ribiero flicking a header on to Medina, who controlled the ball before cutting inside his marker and calmly rolling his effort into the far corner – completing his hat-trick and making it six goals in two games in the Champions League.
Medina was almost unstoppable and Galaxy looked like adding to their lead any time they attacked the Lae City goal, but the Papua New Guineans were able to hold on.
They even threatened to get back into the match, with Gorden Mark coming close with a low effort that thudded off the base of the post following a sweeping counter-attack.
Galaxy were fairly unthreatened otherwise and held on comfortably for the win and a place in the semi-finals. With Medina leading the line, they will take some stopping……PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: RUGBY.COM.AU PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 13 Aug 2026
Maddison Levi named in Wallaroos squad for 100th Test in Auckland
SYDNEY, 13 AUGUST 2026 (RUGBY.COM.AU)—Australia Sevens superstar Maddison Levi is in line for a potential Wallaroos debut, named in the squad for next week’s Test against New Zealand in Auckland on August 22.
In what shapes as the Wallaroos’ 100th Test, Levi is one of several Sevens stars named for the clash with the Black Ferns.
She joins teammates Tia Hinds, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea and Bienne Terita in the squad as part of the new aligned program, with Levi slated to join the Ultimate Sevens in September.
The 24-year-old is already Australia’s highest-ever try-scorer on the Sevens World Series, recently eclipsing 250 tries.
NSW Waratahs flyer Amelia Whitaker, Queensland Reds skipper Jemma Bemrose and Western Force forward Pia Tapsell are among the other uncapped players in the squad.
Whitaker is fresh off being named Waratahs Player of the Year after a breakout season in sky blue.
Meanwhile, Bemorse and Tapsell were standouts for their respective clubs in their push towards the semi-finals.
In further changes, Waratahs fullback Caitlyn Halse is in line for her first appearance in 2026 after her return from injury.
It comes with several stars on the sidelines, including defending Player of the Year winners Tabua Tuinakauvadra and Georgina Friedrichs
She is joined by powerhouse duo Faliki Pohiva and Adiana Talakai, along with 2026 debutants Ella Ryan and Brooklyn Teki-Joyce.
“Achieving big ambitions requires an army of purpose-driven, disciplined and focus athletes with a management team that provides an environment that maximises potential,” Director of Women’s High Performance Tim Walsh said. “It is a fresh start for everyone involved in the Wallaroos program and this next campaign is our responsibility to set a platform on the road to 2029.
“In what should be a fantastic occasion for our 100th Test match, our promise to align both programs also starts with the inclusions of Maddison Levi, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea and Bienne Terita, who will add strike out wide.”
Walsh will help coach the side alongside Mike Ruthven, Reg Tayler, Ben Mowen and Duncan Chubb for the New Zealand Test and WXV Global Series. Sione Fukofuka will commence the Wallaroos Head Coach role in 2027.
WALLAROOS SQUAD FOR TEST AGAINST NEW ZEALAND
*Jemma Bemrose* (Queensland Reds/Palm Beach Currumbin Alligators) – uncapped
*Lily Bone – #229 (ACT Brumbies/Orange City) – 3 caps
*Emily Chancellor – #158 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 37 caps
*Piper Duck – #185 (NSW Waratahs/Tumut Bullettes) – 26 caps
*Waiaria Ellis – #225 (NSW Waratahs/Blacktown Scorpions) – 6 caps
*Martha Fua – #223 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 4 caps
*Caitlyn Halse – #210 (NSW Waratahs/Camden Rams) – 15 caps
*Tia Hinds – #222 (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – 10 caps
*Brianna Hoy – #203 (NSW Waratahs/Coffs Harbour Snappers) – 13 caps
*Eva Karpani – #171 (Queensland Reds/Southern Suburbs) – 46 caps
*Kaitlan Leaney – #179 (NSW Waratahs/SCU Marlins) – 39 caps
*Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea – #170 (Queensland Reds/Sunnybank Dragons) – 4 caps
*Michaela Leonard – #168 (Western Force/Tuggeranong Vikings) – 47 caps
*Maddison Levi* (Australia Sevens/Bond University) – uncapped
*Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke – #209 (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby) – 3 caps
*Brittany Merlo – #230 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 3 caps
*Desiree Miller – #204 (NSW Waratahs/Eastern Suburbs) – 27 caps
*Faitala Moleka- #199 (ACT Brumbies/Blacktown Scorpions) – 30 caps
*Tania Naden – #197 (ACT Brumbies/Uni-North Owls) – 29 caps
*Leilani Nathan – #202 (NSW Waratahs/Hamilton Hawks) – 8 caps
*Bridie O’Gorman – #180 (NSW Waratahs/Sydney University) – 41 caps
*Siokapesi Palu Sekona – #194 (ACT Brumbies/Rockdale Rangers) – 27 caps
*Allana Sikimeti – #212 (Western Force/Norths Eagles Rugby) – 3 caps
*Piper Simons – #231 (NSW Waratahs/Gordon Rugby) – 3 caps
*Cecilia Smith – #190 (Western Force/Leeton Dianas) – 30 caps
*Maya Stewart – #196 (NSW Waratahs/Nelson Bay Gropers) – 26 caps
*Pia Tapsell* (Western Force/North Shore Rugby Club) – uncapped
*Bienne Terita – #195 (Australia Sevens/Randwick) – 6 caps
*Amelia Whitaker* (NSW Waratahs/Randwick) – uncapped
*Samantha Wood – #207 (Western Force/Kalamunda Rugby) – 15 caps….PACNEWS
S/AFRICA – RUGBY: REUTERS PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 13 Aug 2026
All Blacks bite back with eight-try Sharks feast
CAPE TOWN, 13 AUGUST 2026 (REUTERS)—Competition for Test places in the New Zealand squad was heightened by an emphatic 54-0 win in their second tour game, with a clinical performance against the Sharks pleasing coach Dave Rennie.
The All Blacks are on a six-week, eight-match tour of South Africa, with four matches against provincial opposition and four Tests in the first of its kind in 30 years.
After starting with a far-from-convincing showing against the Stormers in Cape Town on Friday, the All Blacks proved devastating against the Sharks with eight unanswered tries, plenty of pace and few mistakes despite cold and wet conditions.
The Sharks had little answer to the All Blacks in Durban on Wednesday, with winger Fehi Fineanganofo scoring two of the tourists’ tries.
The other six came from Damian McKenzie, Caleb Clarke, Jordie Barrett, Kyle Preston, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Sam Darry. Ruben Love put over seven conversions.
The Sharks put on 44-year-old former All Black Ma’a Nonu for the last 20 minutes after he recently joined the provincial side in a leadership and mentorship capacity.
Nonu, who won 103 caps for the Kiwis, performed a poignant solo response to New Zealand’s traditional pre-match Haka to the delight of the crowd, then delivered some crunching blows on his compatriots in his cameo performance, one of the highlights for the 14,759 spectators at King’s Park.
Former Wallabies coach Rennie has said he aimed to give all of his 44-man squad a run-out over the first three games, and after hammering the Sharks he added that the battle for places in the first Test side against the Springboks on August 22 was heating up.
“We’ve now had five games this season and I think we’ve got a lot better understanding of the game we’re trying to play,” said Rennie, referring to last month’s Nations Championship wins at home to France, Italy and Ireland.
“We’ve got a lot more people who have got good (game) time and so we shared the load a bit, but there’s a really good competition for spots, and so I think that’s really important heading into the Tests.
“We’re trying to build, however the conditions probably made it challenging to shift a lot of ball, but I thought overall we did a pretty good job out there and on the back of a really solid defensive effort.’
“We can’t afford to start games like we have in the two games here, so that’ll be a focus for us. In the first 40 minutes we gave away a lot of penalties early and just didn’t build enough pressure for long enough.
“But the second half was excellent. We kicked really well, a lot more clinically. We continued to defend well. It wasn’t always perfect, but we got a lot of reward from good work.”
The All Blacks next meet the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday….PACNEWS
AUST – RUGBY: AAP PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 13 Aug 2026
Wallabies wary of fast Eddie and his Japan speedsters
SYDNEY, 13 AUGUST 2026 (AAP)—Wary of a smarting Eddie Jones, the Wallabies are bracing for another “ferocious” Test against a Brave Blossoms outfit licking their lips at the prospect of a high-octane points-fest in Townsville.
The Wallabies will be without injured attacking trump Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii when Jones’ Japanese look to atone for a 35-32 first-Test defeat in Osaka.
Jones had hoped his dynamic side would run the Wallabies off their feet before a heatwave stifled his plan last Saturday night.
But the wily mentor is relishing the chance for Japan’s slick backline to showcase their talents on a fast and dry pitch at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
“We’ve got a huge challenge this week against the Japanese. They’re a great team,” Wallabies prop Angus Bell said on Wednesday.
“They’ve got some super individuals too, big physical forwards and really, really quick and some physical backs.
“I’m sure Eddie’s got different things that he wants to try and we’ve got things we need to fix too.”
Jones returned for a second stint as Japan coach after a disastrous second coming as Wallabies boss in 2023, when Australia failed to progress out of the group stages of a Rugby World Cup for the first time.
The 66-year-old hasn’t forgotten about being branded the scapegoat for the Wallabies’ flop, this week claiming it was “convenient” to blame him.
Jones would love nothing more than to mastermind a first-ever Brave Blossoms victory over the Wallabies, especially on Australian soil on Saturday.
Adding to the Wallabies’ challenge is being without Suaalii, who has been ruled out with another hamstring injury.
Teammates are remaining tight-lipped about who will deputise for the code-hopping superstar at outside centre.
But it seems almost certain the Wallabies will unleash an-all Queensland midfield.
Reds playmaker Carter Gordon could return from a calf injury to start at flyhalf, with Isaac Henry and Josh Flook the favourites to partner Hunter Paisami in the centres.
Coach Les Kiss could also call on Filipo Daugunu to play 13.
“They haven’t confirmed that till tomorrow,” Paisami said on Wednesday.
“We’ve tried a lot of combinations this week, obviously with ‘Flooky’, Filippo, Isaac there as well. It’s always good having those familiar connections from the Reds.
“But whoever’s in that 12 and 13 jersey, we just know that they will do a job for the boys and for the jersey,” he said…. PACNEWS
SENEGL – RUGBY: WORLD RUGBY PACNEWS SPORT: Thu 13 Aug 2026
Pools revealed for rugby sevens at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
DAKAR, 13 AUGUST 2026 (WORLD RUGBY)—Rugby sevens will return to the Youth Olympic Games for the third time when some of the world’s most promising young players take to the field at Dakar 2026.
The Opening Ceremony is on 31 October and the rugby tournament kicks off at the 8,000-seat Complexe Iba Mar Diop the following day, with medals awarded on 2 and 3 November. Dakar 2026 is set to make history as the first Olympic sporting event to be staged on the African continent. Around 2700 young athletes are expected to compete across 25 competition sports.
Eight men’s and eight women’s rugby sevens teams have qualified for Dakar 2026, with the competitions featuring two pools of four teams.
Women’s competition:
Australia, China, Kenya and hosts Senegal will compete in Pool A, while Pool B features Czechia, Madagascar, Spain and USA.
Dakar 2026 Pools Women
Men’s competition:
Canada, Germany, Senegal and South Africa are together in Pool A whilst Argentina, France, Japan and Samoa make up Pool B.
Rugby sevens made its Youth Olympic Games debut at Nanjing 2014 before returning at Buenos Aires 2018. In Buenos Aires, hosts Argentina claimed the men’s gold medal with victory over France in the final, while New Zealand took the women’s title, also defeating France in the gold medal match. Japan and Canada won bronze in the men’s and women’s competitions respectively.
It will be all to play for in Senegal as teams take to the field in their bid to make their mark on the Olympic Stage….PACNEWS
