Internationals Weekly Watch: Week III

Melbourne to host Kangaroos, Kiwis showdown

The Kangaroos and Kiwis will face off for the first time since their World Cup semifinal showdown a year ago on Saturday night at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.

With both teams already locked in for the Pacific Cup Final next week, Mal Meninga has made the call to make several changes to the squad that beat Toa Sāmoa in the Pacific Championships opener.

Valentine Holmes (suspension) returns onto the wing in place of Selwyn Cobbo whilst Payne Haas and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will be rested with Jake Trbojevic and debutant Thomas Flegler shifting into the front row.

Nicho Hynes has been named to make his Test debut off the interchange but could come into the run-on side should Cameron Munster (illness) be ruled out.

Michael Maguire has named the same 17 that dispatched of the Sāmoans a week ago in Auckland.

Australia enter the clash as favourites but New Zealand will like their chances of pulling off an upset ahead of the big one next week with several Kangaroos standouts watching on from the sideline.

Jillaroos, Kiwi Ferns meet once more

The Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns face off in the final women’s Pacific Championships clash prior to the men’s showdown at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

Julia Robinson is missing for the Australians with Jakiya Whitfeld named to make her Test debut on the wing whilst Lauren Brown replaces Keeley Davis at No. 9 with Emma Manzelmann debuting off the interchange and Yasmin Clydsdale replacing the injured Caitlan Johnston.

For the Kiwi Ferns, Apii Nicholls returns at the back with Shanice Parker shifting to the wing and Cheyelle Robins-Reti dropping out.

Ashleigh Quinlan and Jasmine Fogavini come onto the interchange for Capri Paekau and Amelia Pasikala (leg).

Bookmakers expect the Jillaroos to continue their unbeaten run but, given the scare that the Kiwi Ferns offered them a fortnight ago, an upset is hardly out of the question.

Port Moresby the scene for Kumuls, Bati clash

The Kumuls are back in action in Port Moresby on Sunday afternoon when they face Fiji Bati in an anticipated showdown ahead of their Pacific Bowl Final clash in a week’s time.

Rodrick Tai (knee) and Justin Olam (knee) are both unavailable for the Kumuls with Benji Kot starting in the centres after making his Test debut off the bench two weeks ago.

Edwin Ipape’s (suspension) awaited return at hooker pushes Judah Rimbu back to the interchange whilst Rhyse Martin comes into the second row at the expense of Jacob Alick who has been named on the interchange.

Wellington Albert and Keven Appo replace Nixon Putt and Liam Horne on the pine.

King Vuniyayawa comes in for Fiji Bati which pushes last week’s debutant Gordon Whippy back to the interchange alongside Mesake Ravonu with Sirilo Lovokuro and Watisoni Waqanisaravi omitted.

The Kumuls enter this one as favourites with bookmakers expecting Justin Holbrook’s men to build on a comprehensive victory over the Cook Islands.

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