As the whistle blows and the excitement mounts, the World Rugby Pacific Four Series 2024 ignites the fervent clash where bragging rights and World Cup aspirations converge. This prestigious international women’s rugby union tournament, commencing on April 27th, sets the stage for an intense showdown among powerhouse teams: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.
Beyond mere exhibition of exceptional talent, this series carries significant weight in determining qualification for major tournaments. With Canada and New Zealand already securing berths in the 2025 Rugby World Cup through stellar performances in the 2021 edition, the remaining contenders, USA and Australia, fiercely contend for the next best-ranked position ensuring their World Cup participation.
The stakes soar high as the Pacific Four Series stands as a pivotal qualifier for the top two tiers of the 2024 Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens (WXV 1). The team finishing at the bottom in the Pacific Four Series will face off in WXV 2 later this year in South Africa.
This year’s series promises a riveting exhibition of athleticism and tactical brilliance across various venues. The opening clash witnessed the USA hosting Canada, with subsequent fixtures spanning across New Zealand and Australia. Fans are treated to these exhilarating encounters at iconic stadiums like FMG Stadium Waikato in New Zealand, Allianz Stadium in Sydney, and AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Whether you’re a fervent rugby enthusiast or simply revel in witnessing elite athletes in action, the World Rugby Pacific Four Series 2024 presents an enthralling spectacle. Keep a keen eye on the unfolding competition as the teams vie relentlessly for glory and the prestigious opportunity to secure a spot in the forthcoming World Cups!
Full Schedule of World Rugby Pacific Four Series 2024
| Home Team | Away Team | Date | Stadium | Kick-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Canada | 28 Apr 2024 | Dignity Health Sports Park | 13:30 GMT-7 |
| New Zealand | USA | 11 May 2024 | FMG Stadium | 14:05 GMT+12 |
| Australia | Canada | 11 May 2024 | Allianz Stadium | 16:55 GMT+10 |
| Australia | USA | 17 May 2024 | AAMI Park | 16:55 GMT+10 |
| New Zealand | Canada | 19 May 2024 | Apollo Projects Stadium | 16:35 GMT+12 |
| New Zealand | Australia | 25 May 2024 | North Harbour Stadium | 14:05 GMT+12 |
How to Watch World Rugby Pacific Four Series 2024
USA: Peacock holds the broadcast rights within the United States.
Canada: TSN will be airing the matches for Canadian viewers.
New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ is your go-to channel for the series in New Zealand.
World Rugby Pacific Four Series 2024: The Race for World Cup Glory Heats Up
The USA Women’s Eagles enter the 2024 World Rugby Pacific Four Series with a renewed sense of purpose. Coming off a disappointing last-place finish in the 2023 tournament, they’re hungry for a turnaround.
Challenges Await:
- Recent Slump: The Eagles have won just two of their last nine tests, slipping from seventh to ninth in the World Rankings.
- Canada’s Dominance: The USA hasn’t beaten their North American rivals since 2019, with Canada riding an eight-match winning streak in the matchup.
Reasons for Optimism:
- New Leadership: Head Coach Sione Fukofuka, a former assistant with the Australian Wallaroos, brings fresh ideas and a winning mentality.
- Strategic Shift: A new game plan aims to exploit weaknesses and create scoring opportunities.
- Unpredictability: The Eagles’ evolution under Fukofuka makes them a bit of an unknown, potentially unsettling their opponents.
Key Matchup:
The opening clash against Canada on Sunday is crucial. A strong showing could set the tone for the series and boost their chances of qualifying for both WXV 1 and the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Fukofuka’s Confidence:
Despite the challenges, Coach Fukofuka is confident. He believes that by matching Canada’s physicality, executing their game plan flawlessly, and outworking their opponents, the Eagles can pull off an upset. He also sees his knowledge of the Australian team, USA’s next opponent, as a potential advantage.
Mutual Respect:
Fukofuka acknowledges that the players are familiar with his coaching style, creating a comfortable environment. While the Eagles have much to prove, Canada will take them seriously, making for an exciting and unpredictable contest.
Match Preview of World Rugby Pacific Four Series 2024
The World Rugby Pacific Four Series 2024 is in full swing, with teams battling it out for bragging rights and, more importantly, a coveted spot in the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Here’s a breakdown of the remaining fixtures and what to watch for:
Upcoming Fixtures:
- Friday, May 10th (Local Time):
- New Zealand vs. USA: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (14:05 GMT+12)
- Australia vs. Canada: Allianz Stadium, Sydney (16:55 GMT+10)
- Remaining Matches:
- May 17th: Australia vs. USA (AAMI Park, Melbourne)
- May 19th: New Zealand vs. Canada (Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch)
- May 25th: New Zealand vs. Australia (North Harbour Stadium)
Key Storylines:
- USA vs. Qualification: The USA Women’s Eagles desperately need a strong showing. Ranked ninth globally, they haven’t beaten Canada since 2019. A win here could be crucial for their World Cup qualification hopes.
- New Zealand’s Dominance: Ranked number one in the world, New Zealand is the team to beat. Can they maintain their winning ways against both USA and Canada?
- Australia’s Fightback: Currently ranked fifth, Australia needs victories to secure a World Cup spot. Watch for their attacking flair and defensive grit against both Canada and USA.
- Canada’s Consistency: Ranked third, Canada is a threat to any opponent. Can they maintain their winning form against both USA and New Zealand?
Players to Watch:
- USA: Alowesi Hodges (powerful center), Abby Gustaitis (dynamic fly-half)
- New Zealand: Michaela Blyde (experienced fullback), Ruahei Rhiannon (explosive winger)
- Australia: Sharni Williams (versatile back), Wallaroo Ferns captain Shannon Parry (inspirational flanker)
- Canada: Olivia DeMerchant (shifty winger), Sophie de Goede (world-class scrum-half)
