New Zealand and Samoa go head-to-head this Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium, with a place in the 2026 IRL Women’s Rugby League World Cup Final up for grabs.

New Zealand topped Group B after an impressive group-stage campaign, securing three consecutive victories to enter the semi-final full of confidence.

Samoa, meanwhile, will be looking to carry their momentum into the last four following an impressive 24-6 victory over England in their previous outing. Having finished second in Group A, they now face a tough test against an unbeaten New Zealand side as they bid to reach the World Cup final.

The Kiwis make two changes to their starting line-up, with Mele Hufanga coming in at centre in place of Abigail Roache, while Otesa Pule earns a starting spot in the forwards, replacing Shannon Mato.

Samoa make just one change to the side that defeated England, with Fanua Rimoni replacing Tavarna Papalii at loose forward.

New Zealand (squad): Apii Nicholls, Leianne TUFUGA, Mele Hufanga, Stacey WAAKA, Mackenzie WIKI, Chanty KIRIA-RATU, Raecene McGregor, Alexis TAUANEAI, Georgia Hale, Otesa PULE, Shaniece MONSCHAU, Kaiyah ATAI, Angelina TEAKARAANGA KATOA, Ashleigh Quinlan, Nessa BIDDLE, Shannon Lorraine MATO, Ivana LAUITITI, Brooke ANDERSON, Brianna Clark, Zahara TEMARA, Abigail Roache, Tenika WILLISON

Samoa (squad): Destiny SINAPATI, Mercedez TAULELEI-SAILA, Monica TAGOAI, Tyra Le EKEPATI, Freedom ROPATI, Evania ISA'AKO , Pauline PILIAE, Annetta NUUAUSALA, Mary Jane TAITO, Laikha (Belinda-Jane) CLARKE, Leilani WILSON, Ivana LOLESIO, Fanua RIMONI, Tavarna PAPALII, Christabelle ONESOME-TUILAEPA, Jasmine FOGAVINI, Christian PIO, Jaydika TAFUA, Ana Leatupue, Evelyn ROBERTS, Jetaya FAIFUA, Amanii Misa