New Zealand will try to regain their crown when they take on Samoa in a blockbuster conclusion to the Pacific Championships.
After romping their way to the Pacific Cup two years ago under Michael Maguire, the Kiwis were out of sorts last year as they missed out on the final altogether.
However, Stacey Jones' side have been impressive this year as they have cruised through to the decider where they will meet Samoa, who will be hoping to get over the line after their defeat to Australia in the 2024 final.
Ben Gardiner's outfit were beaten by NZ in the opening game of the tournament, so will be looking for revenge and their first piece of silverware in what could be a historic day for the nation.
AllSportsPeople provides all the latest team news for the Pacific Cup final.
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New Zealand vs. Samoa
(Sunday, November 9 at CommBank Stadium, 4:05pm AEDT)
New Zealand confirmed team:
1. Keano Kini
2. Jamayne Isaako
3. Matt Timoko
4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
5. Casey McLean
6. Dylan Brown
7. Kieran Foran
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Phoenix Crossland
10. Moses Leota
11. Briton Nikora
12. Isaiah Papali'i
13. Joseph Tapine
14. Te Maire Martin
15. Naufahu Whyte
16. Erin Clark
17. Xavier Willison
18. Scott Sorensen
Kiwis team news:
Stacey Jones' side were red-hot last weekend as they cruised home against Tonga. As a result, the coach has decided not to alter with a winning side for the Pacific Cup final.
Keano Kini was a late addition and was named on the wing as the replacement for Seb Kris after the Canberra player had initially been brought into the fold to replace the injured Ronaldo Mulitalo.
However, Jones made a raft of late changes after Kris was sidelined with a calf injury. The coach eventually moved Kini to fullback, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad into the centres and Casey McLean onto the wing.
This setup was a roaring success and will be used again.
Dylan Brown continued his stellar form in the Pacific Championships as he bagged a double during the big win. He will partner Kieran Foran, who will make his last appearance before retirement, in the halves.
Phoenix Crossland was handed the No.9 jersey following Jeremy Marshall-King's thumb injury and the versatile Newcastle player will continue at dummy-half, with support provided by Te Maire Martin.
There is no reason to change a winning pack that performed so impressively at Eden Park, so they will go again.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona was sidelined ahead of last week after picking up a calf injury and he has not been able to make it back in time for the final.
Toa Samoa confirmed team:
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
2. Brian To'o
3. Izack Tago
4. Deine Mariner
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Blaize Talagi
7. Jarome Luai
8. Francis Molo
15. Benaiah Ioelu
10. Payne Haas
11. Jaydn Su'A
12. Simi Sasagi
13. Junior Paulo
9. Jazz Tevaga
14. Chanel Harris-Tavita
16. Terrell May
17. Josh Papalii
18. Ata Mariota
Samoa team news:
Samoa responded to their opening loss to New Zealand with a comprehensive win over Tonga to book their place in the Pacific Cup final.
After enjoying the bye last week, they will return refreshed and looking for revenge against the Kiwis.
Ben Gardiner has a settled backline to call upon, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck lining up at fullback, while Brian To'o and Murray Taulagi will take their spots on the wings.
Josh Papalii was set to start at prop against NZ but he dropped to the bench late as Francis Molo was preferred. The veteran has been named on the bench for this one.
Jazz Tevaga was listed to start in their last match, but he also dropped to the pine as Benaiah Ioelu replaced him at hooker. Tevaga has been handed the No.9 jersey once again.
Jaydn Su'A has returned to the fold after being sidelined due to a head knock. However, it's not all good news in the backrow, with Jeremiah Nanai dropping out of the squad.
Simi Sasagi started in Su'A's absence and will continue his run in the starting side due to Nanai's withdrawal.
Chanel Harris-Tavita and Ioelu have both been included on the bench, despite New Zealand boasting a big and powerful forward rotation.
Terrell May was a late inclusion after recovering from a hamstring complaint and takes his place on the pine.
Ata Mariota has been unable to force his way into the 17 for the time being.