(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Rugby World Cup 2027 Qualification on the Line in Pacific Nations Cup Showdowns
The race for places at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is heating up as the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup reaches its decisive weekend. Rugby fans are set for thrilling action with Samoa hosting Fiji in Rotorua and the USA facing Japan in Sacramento, as teams battle not only for semi-final spots but also direct qualification for the tournament in Australia.
High Stakes for Samoa and Fiji
📍 Venue: Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
Referee: Takehito Namekawa (Japan)
Samoa’s mission is clear: they need a bonus-point win over Fiji to overtake Tonga and book a place in the semi-finals in Denver, Colorado. Victory would also secure their historic run of Rugby World Cup appearances, dating back to 1991.
Even if Samoa fall short, their journey is not over. The fifth-place play-off still carries a qualification ticket, while the losing team will face a play-off against South America’s runner-up (Uruguay or Chile). The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Fiji, defending Pacific Nations Cup champions, won’t give up easily. After a strong performance against Tonga, coach Mick Byrne has called for sharper execution at the breakdown and in ball carries to maintain their title defense.
Matchday Line-ups
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Samoa: Aki Seiuli, Pita Anae Ah-Sue, Michael Alaalatoa (capt), Ben Nee-Nee, Michael Curry, Taleni Seu, Alamanda Motuga, Iakopo Petelo-Mapu, Joel Lam, Rodney Iona, Tuna Tuitama, Henry Taefu, Melani Nanai, Elisapeta Alofipo, Lolagi Visinia.
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Fiji: Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (capt), Samu Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Ponipate Loganimasi, Seta Tamanivalu, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
USA vs Japan: A Must-Win for the Eagles
📍 Venue: Heart Health Park, Sacramento, California
Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)
For the USA Eagles, this clash is make-or-break. After their opening defeat to Canada, they must win convincingly against Japan and deny them a bonus point to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Otherwise, the Eagles will find themselves in the fifth-place play-off against a Pool A opponent.
Captain Jason Damm leads a reshuffled USA side, with Ruben de Haas back at scrum-half and Luke Carty joining from camp.
But Japan, coached by Eddie Jones, arrive with momentum. After their record-breaking 57-15 win over Canada, the Brave Blossoms are determined to go one better than their 2024 runner-up finish. Jones has demanded a faster start, knowing that qualification and silverware are within reach.
Matchday Line-ups
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USA: Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Kapeli Pifeleti, Kaleb Geiger, Marno Redelinghuys, Jason Damm (capt), Paddy Ryan, Christian Poidevin, Makeen Alikhan, Ruben de Haas, Christopher Hilsenbeck, Toby Fricker, Tavite Lopeti, Dominic Besag, Rufus McLean, Erich Storti.
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Japan: Kenta Kobayashi, Hayate Era, Shuhei Takeuchi, Waisake Raratubua, Warner Dearns (capt), Ben Gunter, Kanji Shimokawa, Amato Fakatava, Kenta Fukuda, Seungsin Lee, Tomoki Osada, Charlie Lawrence, Dylan Riley, Kippei Ishida, Sam Greene.
What’s Next?
Both matches are crucial not just for progression in the Pacific Nations Cup, but also for direct Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification. For Samoa and USA, it’s about survival and keeping dreams alive. For Fiji and Japan, it’s a chance to assert dominance and continue building towards Australia.
One thing is certain: rugby fans are in for a weekend of drama, intensity, and history in the making.
