Pacific Four Series is kicking off this weekend. The Pacific Four Series is a rugby series featuring four women’s national teams. This year, we’ll see Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US battle each other. Here’s what to expect this weekend and throughout the rest of the series.
Pacific Four Series Features Four Top-10 Teams
That’s according to World Rugby. So, we’re in store for some incredible rugby over the next three weeks. This includes a matchup between two top-five teams in Canada and New Zealand.
This weekend, we’ll see the regional rivals go head to head. Canada takes on the US while Australia and New Zealand battle one another. Certainly, we’re in store for an exciting doubleheader.
The Canada-US contest is a rematch of 2021’s Pacific Four soft launch. Australia and New Zealand couldn’t participate due to COVID-19 restrictions but with the 2021 Rugby World Cup being held in New Zealand this year, this is a warm-up for that tournament. We’ll touch more on that later on.
Who Are Players To Watch?
A player that stands out to me is Ruby Tui of New Zealand. Well known on the sevens circuit, Tui is set to make her debut for the Black Ferns this month. In addition, her life story is incredible and worth watching. She is someone I’m rooting for, and you’d be wise to do so.
Likewise, Karen Paquin is a player to watch for Canada. She is a member of the 2014 World Cup team that won silver and scored two tries in last year’s Pacific Four series. We’re in for a treat seeing her compete in what may be her final Rugby World Cup run. So, whatever you do, don’t forget the name.
Australia enters the Pacific Four Series with a younger roster, including nine uncapped players. However, someone I’m excited to see for them is Michaela Leonard. At 26-years old, she’s coming in with previous experience as a captain for Brumbies in Super W. She also has five career caps with Australia and will add to that total this month.
Finally, Kate Zackary is the name to know on Team USA. She is one of two American captains in the Premier 15s and was named Women’s Player of the Year for the Exeter Chiefs this season. While she is likely going to miss this weekend’s game, Zackary is still critical to the success of Team USA.
Pacific Four Series is a Preview for the 2021 RWC
It might sound obvious, but it goes beyond the heading. Pool A features New Zealand and Australia. Pool B features Canada and the US. So, these teams will be seeing each other a lot over the next few months.
Australia is coming off mixed results in friendlies earlier this month. They nearly doubled up Fiji, winning 36-19 on May 6th, before losing 12-10 to Japan four days later. However, they have never beaten Canada, New Zealand, or the US. In 27 games, they are 0-27. Not ideal. We’ll see if they can pull off the upset here at Pacific Four.
The other three teams have not played since Autumn International’s last fall. In their tour of England and France, the Black Ferns went 0-4, losing all games by a combined score of 166-47. So, this is an opportunity for New Zealand to get some momentum before they host the World Cup later this year.
No Slouches in North America
The US is looking for its first win since 2019. Between COVID-19 and lack of travel, there haven’t been many opportunities for the Americans to play. With the Pacific Four Series and Rugby World Cup coming up, the US won’t find greater chances to secure wins than with these tournaments.
This is the brightest Canadian team right now. Both men’s sides (15’s and 7’s) struggle at events, while the women’s sevens team is coming off another fine season. But, we’ve seen Canada’s women’s team have previous success, including that silver in 2014. They should do well again.
Lots to Play For
This is a big step in the right direction for women’s rugby. Getting the top teams to face off against each other will increase interest and attract new eyeballs to the sport. As the women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off in October, it will only add excitement to the biggest women’s rugby tournament in the world. With all that said, here’s to a great month of rugby in store!