New Zealand were embarrassed by Tonga last week in a shock 25-24 defeat and now must defeat Papua New Guinea if they wish to keep their spot in the Cup in 2025.
The Kangaroos opened their Pacific Cup campaign against Tonga with an 18-0 win over Tonga and once it will be no walk in the park with Kristian Woolf selecting an outstanding side that can push Australia.
A scrappy Jillaroos bested the Kiwi Ferns 14-0 in their opening match in Christchurch and with a stronger team back on home turf, Australia look an excellent bet to cover.
Papua New Guinea were super impressive in beating Fiji two weeks back and will have few problems dispatching of a hapless Cook Islands outfit.
The Jillaroos put on 17 tries when they thumped the PNG Orchids 84-0 in Brisbane but against a weaker team, at home and with more rest expect a better showing from the Orchids.
Tonga showed plenty of gumption without much luck against Australia and they look primed for a minor upset of New Zealand when the teams meet at Mt Smart on Saturday night.
Samoa and Fiji are both off wins and it is a classy Samoa team that should prove too good in Auckland.
The Kangaroos were clunky in their opening Pacific Championships match against Tonga but will be better for the run and they have revenge on the brain after last year's humiliation at the hands of the Kiwis.
The Jillaroos put on 17 tries when they thumped the PNG Orchids 84-0 in Brisbane but face a very different proposition this week when meeting the Kiwi Ferns in Christchurch.
Fiji were embarrassed by Papua New Guinea last week and will face another stern test against one of the best Cook Islands teams put together.
