[University of Canberra, Bruce ACT] – Penina Pasifika continues to showcase remarkable progress, demonstrating resilience and growth in just their second week together as a team. Despite a 36-17 result in favour of the Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies Women’s, Penina Pasifika proved they are a team on the rise in this Smartech Super Rugby Women’s development fixture against the Brumbies.
From the outset, the Brumbies controlled possession and pushed through the Penina's defence, capitalising on their early momentum with three first-half tries. However, Penina Pasifika refused to be overwhelmed, responding with two tries of their own. One particularly opportunistic score came from an unlucky bounce that slipped away from a Brumbies player and into Penina’s hands, exemplifying their ability to seize opportunities.
The Penina Pasifika’s defensive effort tightened as the half progressed, producing a crucial goal-line stand to prevent the Brumbies from extending their lead further. At halftime, the score remained close at 15-12, a testament to Penina Pasifika’s growing cohesion and belief.
The Brumbies extended their lead early in the second half with a try down the left sideline, but once again, Penina Pasifika showed their fight. They drove the ball downfield and broke through the Brumbies' goal-line defence for another well-earned try. The impressive try by Faith Nonutunu kept the momentum going for the Penina Pasifika side, highlighting their determination and attacking flair.
A yellow card for Loketi Mahon midway through the second half momentarily set the team back, but they continued to battle fiercely. Even as the Brumbies extended their lead, Penina Pasifika maintained their intensity, pressing forward and challenging the opposition at every opportunity.
Seasoned Penina Pasifika player Nina Foaese, now in her second campaign with the team, reflected on the match and the team’s rapid development. Having experienced firsthand the growth of the program, she highlighted the resilience and unity that continue to define Penina Pasifika’s journey.
“The game today was much better compared to last week. The vibe and connection off the field are getting better. The girls are slowly coming together and finding the combinations and the relationships; we are getting closer off the field, which makes it easier on the field. The level is progressing each day as we go. To all our family and friends, thank you for your support. Keep following us and keep sending your prayers and thoughts. We really need it, especially being away from home, so thank you very much.”
Head Coach Ramsey Tomokino reflected on the campaign so far and the progress the team is making.
“We talked about being better than last week, and we knew that another week together would help us do just that. Week on week, we are getting better. We are able to rotate our whole squad and give each of these athletes playing time, which is helping to build the capability of our Pasifika women. We’ve had a good week in the lead-up to the match. The team is growing, and we are looking forward to finishing strong over the next two weeks.”
Despite the final scoreline, the match reinforced just how far Penina Pasifika has come in a short period, showing promise and potential that will only continue to grow with more time together.
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.
