Sāmoa and Tonga set up Pacific showdown as Fiji search for answers

Pacific pride will be on the line this coming weekend after Sāmoa and Tonga finished round two of the World Rugby Nations Cup level on five competition points.

Despite suffering defeats over the weekend, both teams remain in the race to finish as the top Pacific side in Pool A.

Manu Sāmoa sit third on points difference after a 33-12 loss to unbeaten Georgia.

The match was a tight defensive contest for the opening half-hour before Duncan Paia'aua crossed for Sāmoa’s first try.

But Georgia gradually took control with Sāmoa unable to find enough attacking momentum to stay in the contest.

Tonga's 32-19 defeat to Spain followed a similar pattern.

After a physical opening, captain Sonatane Takulua marked his record-breaking appearance as Tonga's most-capped men's international by scoring the first try of the match.

Spain responded quickly through scrum-half Estanislao Bay and Antonio Ray Suarez before pulling away in the second half.

Taniela Filimone scored late for ‘Ikale Tahi but the comeback came too late.

With one round remaining, Sāmoa and Tonga are locked on five competition points, with the Manu holding third place in Pool A on points difference.

Manu Sāmoa face Romania on Sunday 19 July at 2.30am (NZT) while Tonga take on Portugal at 8.45am (NZT) with both sides looking to finish the tournament as the leading Pacific nation in their pool.

For more information on the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup Competition click here to view.

Devastation for Fiji against England.

Meanwhile, Fiji face a very different challenge after suffering a 73-8 loss to England in Liverpool early Sunday (NZT).

The Flying Fijians conceded 11 tries as Steve Borthwick's side claimed their first Test victory in six matches.

Fiji’s afternoon became even tougher when Levani Botia was sin-binned before halfback Simione Kuruvoli received a red card just before halftime after kicking England prop Ellis Genge in the chest.

Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula of Fiji in action. Photo/Facebook

Reduced to 14 men, Fiji struggled to contain England’s attack. The hosts took full advantage of overlaps and the driving maul.

The result follows Fiji’s earlier loss to Wales and increases the pressure ahead of this weekend’s Test against Scotland.

Acting coach Senirusi Seruvakula admitted there were "no excuses" for Fiji’s performance as the side look to bounce back.

The Flying Fijians meet Scotland on Sunday 19 July at 1.10am (NZT), knowing a much-improved performance will be needed to regain confidence.

For more information on the 2026 Nations Championship click here to view.