(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Kicks Off in Calgary and Nuku’alofa
The Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2025 begins on Friday with two exciting clashes as Canada face USA in Calgary, while Tonga take on Samoa in Nuku’alofa. Both matches carry huge importance as teams look to move closer to qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Canada vs USA
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Venue: McMahon Stadium, Calgary
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Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
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Assistants: Adam Leal, Anthony Woodthorpe (England)
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TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)
This Pool B match is more than just a rivalry—it could be decisive for World Cup qualification. A win here would give either side a vital edge in the race for a place at RWC 2027.
For Canada, head coach Steve Meehan is leading his first major tournament since his appointment earlier this year. His mission is clear: to return Canada to the Rugby World Cup after missing out on France 2023.
On the other side, USA coach Scott Lawrence has ambitions under the “Moonshot 2031” project, which aims to see the Eagles reach the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup in six years. But first, they must secure qualification for 2027.
While an opening loss won’t end their hopes, it would make the road to qualification tougher, especially with already-qualified Japan waiting in the pool stage.
Matchday squads
Canada (1-15): Calixto Martinez, Dewald Kotze, Cole Keith; Piers von Dadelszen, Evan Olmstead; Matthew Oworu, Lucas Rumball, Tyler Ardron; Jason Higgins, Cooper Coats; Josiah Morra, Ben LeSage, Noah Flesch, Isaac Olson; Peter Nelson.
Replacements: Jesse Mackail, Emerson Prior, Kyle Steeves, Mason Flesch, Siôn Parry, Stephen Webb, Spencer Jones, Nic Benn.
USA (1-15): Jack Iscaro, Kapeli Pifeleti, Tonga Kofe; Marno Redelinghuys, Jason Damm; Benjamin Bonasso, Cory Daniel, Makeen Alikhan; JP Smith, AJ MacGinty; Lauina Futi, Tavite Lopeti, Dominic Besag, Rufus McLean; Erich Storti.
Replacements: Kaleb Geiger, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Pono Davis, Tevita Naqali, Viliami Helu, Christian Poidevin, Ethan McVeigh, Tom Pitman.
Tonga vs Samoa
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Venue: Te’ufaiva Stadium, Nuku’alofa
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Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
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Assistants: Jordan Way (Australia), Michael Winter (New Zealand)
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TMO: James Leckie (Australia)
Like Canada vs USA, this Pool A encounter also carries direct World Cup qualification stakes. With Fiji already qualified thanks to their strong 2023 World Cup campaign, both Tonga and Samoa are fighting for one of the remaining spots.
Tonga enter the tournament with momentum after a 38-19 warm-up win over Queensland Reds, while Samoa suffered a 41-14 defeat to Scotland in July. Both nations have proud Rugby World Cup traditions, and neither can afford to stumble in their opening match.
Matchday squads
Tonga (1-15): Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Siua Maile, Ben Tameifuna; Halaleva Fifita, Harison Mataele; Tanginoa Halaifonua, Siosiua Moala, Lotu Inisi; Sonatane Takulua, Patrick Pellegrini; John Tapueluelu, Fetuli Paea, Solomone Kata, Fine Inisi; Salesi Piutau.
Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Salesi Tuifua, Solomone Tukuafu, Tupou Afungia, Fotu Lokotui, Augustine Pulu, Josiah Unga, Nikolai Foliaki.
Samoa (1-15): Aki Seiuli, Pita Anae-Ah Sue, Michael Alaalatoa; Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee, Samuel Slade; Taleni Seu, Theo McFarland, Iakopo Mapu; Melani Matavao, AJ Alatimu; Tuna Tuitama, Henry Taefu, Melani Nanai, Tomasi Alosio; Lolagi Visinia.
Replacements: Luteru Tolai, Jarred Adams, Bradley So’o Amituanai, Michael Curry, Olajuwon Noa, Joel Lam, Rodney Iona, Elisapeta Alofipo.
