Best Head-to-Head Matchups of the Weekend in the Women’s World Cup and Pacific Nations Cup

This weekend’s matches are packed with high stakes and even higher intensity, as teams fight for knockout spots, World Cup qualification, and national pride.

But beyond the final scores, it’s the head-to-head battles across the park that could shape the outcomes.

Whether it’s centres trying to outmuscle each other, back-row players clashing over the gain line, or wingers going stride for stride, these matchups are where games are often won or lost.

With plenty on the line and some exciting individual talents on display, expect physicality, flair and a few personal rivalries to take centre stage across a thrilling weekend.

Here are some of the best matchups to look out for.

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Ilona Maher v Cecilia Smith

The match between the USA and Australia is arguably the biggest of the weekend, based on the ramifications that it could end up having on Pool A.

Both are pretty evenly matched, and with the Wallaroos winning their first game against Samoa convincingly, a win in York would effectively guarantee their passage into the knockouts.

Up against them is the USA and, in particular, Ilona Maher. Maher is the most popular player in the world and is also a very impressive player, with her physicality and direct running often causing issues for opponents.

Cecilia Smith had a good outing against Samoa, but Maher is a completely different kettle of fish to play against.

If the Australian can keep her quiet, she will give the Wallaroos a big chance of winning and progressing.

Meg Jones v Fa’asua Makisi

It is going to be an extremely tough test for Samoa, and you’d expect the Red Roses to have the bulk of possession and territory, with a one-sided game expected in Northampton.

With Ellie Kildunne rested and put on the bench for this game, Jones will likely be the player who is looked upon for a bit of inspiration when needed, being arguably the most creative of those starting on Saturday.

Wellington centre Makisi will be up against it trying to stop Jones, but will play with plenty of heart like she did against Australia, and could prove to be a stern opponent for the centre.

It will need to be a collective effort if Samoa are to keep England‘s scoring to a minimum, but it could happen.

Evie Gallagher v Manuqalo Komaitai

Evie Gallagher was one of the standout players for Scotland in their surprisingly convincing win against Wales in round one, which has led some to describe them as ‘dark horses’ within the competition.

Now with what is perceived as an ‘easier’ game against Fiji, Gallagher will look to bring plenty of physicality and directness to the No.8 position again, after scoring a try last week.

Up against her is Komaitai, a soldier with the Irish Guards, and she is the first Fijian woman to serve in the elite regiment tasked with guarding Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

The Fijian is playing at her first World Cup and didn’t look particularly out of place against Canada, so she will see this game as an opportunity to properly put her mark on the tournament.

It will be an interesting battle between two very tough players with something to prove.

Sophie de Goede v Gwen Crabb

What can’t Sophie de Goede do? Starting in the second row this weekend, the Canadian star also kicks for her country and is one of the most well-rounded players in rugby.

The Saracen starred in Canada’s convincing win against Fiji, which consolidated their status as the third-best team going into the tournament, and a team that could well challenge New Zealand and England.

They have a potential banana skin up next in Wales, who will be eager to right some wrongs after a bigger-than-expected defeat against Scotland.

Gloucester second row Crabb has had plenty of experience in facing De Goede, having been on the winning side of this year’s PWR final.

She will be hoping that the positive experience against her opponent this weekend will give her and Wales an edge.

Kalaveti Ravouvou v John Tapueluelu

With the pressure off for Fiji in this year’s Pacific Nations Cup, they may be even more expansive than they usually are, which could mean plenty of touches for their wingers.

Their World Cup qualification is secured already, so all that is on the line for them is local pride, something which means that they will be hugely motivated for this clash against Tonga.

Tonga themselves had a huge win against Samoa last week, which has all but secured a place at the World Cup, so they will also be playing without pressure.

Bristol Bears winger Ravouvou starts out wide for Fiji and is like a wrecking ball, with his hugely powerful running being borderline unstoppable when he reaches top speed.

Tapueluelu isn’t small, and it could be a case of an unstoppable force against an immovable object.

Keep an eye out for this one.

Amato Fakatava v Matt Oworu

The game between Japan and Canada has a similar context to Fiji v Tonga in that Canada are effectively in the World Cup after beating the USA, and Japan are there already and have local bragging rights to play for.

Tyler Ardron, the star of the show against America, has returned to France and will not feature, meaning that Matt Oworu slots in at No.8.

Fakatava is a physical No.8 but may have struggled against Ardron; however, now he is up against the far more inexperienced Oworu, who plays in the MLR, it could be a different story.

As important as anything will be Canada’s ability to adapt to Ardron’s loss, as they may not have the same luck if Oworu is as involved as Ardron was last week, just down to the Castres man’s increased experience.

READ MORE: Weekend Talking Points: Red Roses could break World Cup record against Samoa