New Zealand v Australia: Men and women win Pacific Cup double-header to reach final

Australia’s men and women booked Pacific Cup final places by beating New Zealand in a double-header in Christchurch.

Zac Lomax scored two tries for the Kangaroos in a 22-10 win over an understrength New Zealand at Apollo Projects Stadium, their first meeting since the Kiwis’ 30-0 triumph in last year’s final.

In the women’s match, the Jillaroos became the first team to prevent the Kiwi Ferns from scoring, a fine try by full-back Tamika Upton the highlight of a 14-0 victory.

Australia’s men and women are guaranteed to finish top of their three-team groups and will contest the finals on 10 November against the runners-up.

For the men, that will be New Zealand or Tonga, who meet on Saturday.

The women will take on New Zealand or Papua New Guinea, who play on 3 November.