[Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane, Saturday 1st March] – Penina Pasifika kicked off their 2025 campaign with a spirited performance against the Queensland Reds on Saturday afternoon. As part of their schedule taking on all four Australian Super W teams during their bye rounds, this match marked the first step in their journey. With only one week together as a squad and 20 debutants taking the field, the team showed immense promise despite the 60-7 result at Ballymore Stadium.
The match provided a valuable opportunity for Penina Pasifika to test themselves against a top-tier Super Rugby Women’s outfit. While the Reds secured the win, Penina Pasifika’s physicality, resilience, and attacking intent made them work hard for every point.
Head Coach Ramsey Tomokino reflected on the game, praising his squad’s commitment and the lessons learned from their first hit-out. “It was great to see a good crowd supporting women's rugby and overall, it was a great learning experience for this team. We’re looking forward to readying ourselves for an improved performance in the remaining weeks,” Tomokino said.
Penina Pasifika showcased their trademark physicality, with their forward pack standing up to the challenge of the Reds’ experienced lineup. With only one week together as a squad and 20 debutants taking the field, their ability to compete against a well-drilled Super W side highlighted the promise within this group. Ana Mamea’s first half try was a standout moment, a reward for sustained pressure, with Harmony Vatau adding the conversion.
Despite limited possession, Penina Pasifika’s defensive resilience was evident throughout the match. Their adaptability and determination against a high-calibre opponent underscored the strides they have made in a short period.
Queensland Reds Head Coach Andrew Fraser credited the Penina Pasifika program for its role in developing talent, highlighting that two of last year’s Penina players, Michelle Curry and Vineta Teutau, are now part of the Reds squad. “This fixture is really well-received by all of the Australian teams, and we’ve been very fortunate to play them here today,” Fraser said. “The game was played in great spirit, and there was no quarter given by the Penina girls – and that’s what we expected. Some of the physicality they showed today is a great highlight of the game of rugby.”
The fixture provided crucial preparation as the team builds towards future competitions, and the experience gained from playing in a high-intensity environment will serve them well in the weeks ahead.
Final Score:
Penina Pasifika 7 Try: Mamea (27) Conversion: Vatau (1/1)
Defeated by
Queensland Reds 60 Tries: Flynn (7, 34), Molloy (12), Wong (16, 37), Hanna (22, 73), Manera (50), Nona (61), Dallinger (70) Conversions: Cramer (3/6), Dallinger (2/4)
Team Lists:
Penina Pasifika: 1 Ana Mamea, 2 Cathy Leuta, 3 Tori Iosefo, 4 Margaret Manase, 5 Eseta Vuki, 6 Precious Auimatagi, 7 Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, 8 Nina Foaese, 9 Sarah Tuipulotu, 10 Harmony Vatau, 11 Lesieli Tai, 12 Mele Akolo, 13 Keilamarita Pouri Lane, 14 Lyric Faleafaga, 15 Melina Salale. Reserves: 16 Ti Tauasosi, 17 Angel Schwencke, 18 Nata Kilisimasi, 19 Lila Hifo, 20 Madisen-Jade Iva, 21 Esther Amataga, 22 Faith Nonutunu, 23 Ana Ngahe, 24 Loketi Mahoni, 25 Kristal Taufui, 26 Ruby Finau.
Queensland Reds: 1 Bree-Anna Browne, 2 Tiarna Molloy, 3 Jiowana Sauto, 4 Tiarah Minns, 5 Deni Ross, 6 Jemma Bemrose (cc), 7 Carola Kreis, 8 Zoe Hanna, 9 Layne Morgan, 10 Carys Dallinger, 11 Ivania Wong (cc), 12 Ariana Hira, 13 Mel Wilks, 14 Piper Flynn, 15 Lori Cramer. Reserves: 17 Charlie Jacoby, 18 Christo Tofa, 19 Dillyn Blackburn, 20 Faythe Manera, 21 Sarah Riordan, 22 Sarah Dougherty, 23 Michelle Curry, 25 Sky-Yvette Faimalie, 26 Marea Tupai, 27 Vineta Teutau, 28 Renae Nona.
About Penina Pasifika: The Penina Pasifika program, delivered by Oceania Rugby in partnership with Rugby Australia under the Pacific Women's Pathway initiative, is part of the Australian Pacific Rugby Union Partnership (APRUP II) and is supported by PacificAus Sports, a program funded by the Australian Government. The initiative aims to strengthen the pathway for Pacific women in rugby, offering valuable playing opportunities and professional development to aspiring elite athletes.
