New Zealand returns home looking to build momentum after a narrow defeat to Australia in one of the matches of the tournament. While the Kiwis were left frustrated after letting a golden opportunity slip in Sydney, they remain well placed to qualify for the semi-finals and will be expected to make a statement against a Cook Islands side chasing its first World Cup win since 2013.
The Cook Islands showed plenty of resilience in the second half against Fiji but face a much tougher challenge against a Kiwis squad packed with NRL stars. With places in the semi-finals beginning to take shape, both nations know the importance of securing competition points in Christchurch.
Read Full Previews
Men’s Rugby League World Cup
- Tonga vs Lebanon → tonga-vs-lebanon-rlwc-preview-2026
- Papua New Guinea vs Samoa → papua-new-guinea-vs-samoa-rlwc-preview-2026
- England vs France → england-vs-france-rlwc-preview-2026
- New Zealand vs Cook Islands → new-zealand-vs-cook-islands-rlwc-preview-2026
- Australia vs Fiji → australia-vs-fiji-rlwc-preview-2026
Women’s Rugby League World Cup
- Australia vs England → australia-vs-england-womens-rlwc-preview-2026
Matchday Details
Sunday, October 25, 4:05pm AEDT at One NZ Stadium, Christchurch
Referee: Ashley Klein | Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond
New Zealand: 1. Keano Kini, 2. Jamayne Isaako, 3. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 4. Casey McLean, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. James Fisher-Harris (c), 9. Jeremy Marshall-King, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Xavier Willison, 12. Scott Sorensen, 13. Erin Clark, 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Leo Thompson, 16. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 17. Jacob Laban, 18. Isaiah Papali’i, 19. Briton Nikora, R. Dane Gagai, R. Naufahu Whyte, R. Moses Leota
Cook Islands: 1. Valentine Holmes, 2. Paul Ulberg, 3. KL Iro, 4. Reubenn Rennie, 5. Cameron Brown, 6. Maui Winitana-Patelesio, 7. Brad Takairangi, 8. Davvy Moale, 9. Rua Ngatikaura, 10. Rhys Dakin, 11. Amare Milford, 12. Delahia Wigmore, 13. Mason Teague, 14. Esan Marsters, 15. K-CI Newton-Whare, 16. David Tuariki, 17. Makahesi Makatoa, 18. Chaev Kolone, 19. Glassie Glassie, R. Brody Tamarua, R. Esom Ioka, R. Pride Petterson-Robati, R. Reuben Porter
Match Preview
After a close loss to Australia, New Zealand returns to Christchurch and will be using this Cook Islands game to start their run to the semi-finals.
The Kiwis arguably had the better of the World Cup opener against Australia at Allianz Stadium. They could have led by 20 at half-time if not for long-range intercept tries to Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic, while Casey McLean scored an incredible try in the corner. Kalyn Ponga’s second try gave New Zealand a 22-16 lead after 60 minutes, and only some individual brilliance from Reece Walsh and Bostock’s third try (with Bostock offloading for Walsh to run 80 metres) secured Australia’s win. The main negative for New Zealand was Ponga’s broken left arm, as he was excellent in his debut for the Kiwis (thanks to the new Origin eligibility rules), and had an absorbing battle with Walsh. Ponga has already undergone surgery and may return for the semi-finals or the final.
The Cook Islands had a big loss to Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium. The Bati scored five tries to lead 28-0 at half-time, and while the Cook Islands tied the second half 12-12 (tries to Maui Winitana-Patelesio and Davvy Moale), there was no threat of a comeback.
There are a number of changes for New Zealand: Keano Kini replaces Ponga at fullback, with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad replacing Dane Gagai at centre. Joseph Tapine moves to prop and Erin Clark to lock. Xavier Willison and Scott Sorensen replace Briton Nikora and Isaiah Papali’i in the starting side, while Tanner Stowers-Smith and Jacob Laban will make their Test debuts off the bench. Naufahu Whyte is being rested.
Valentine Holmes makes his Cook Islands debut after missing the Fiji game with injury. Brad Takairangi moves to halfback with Esan Marsters going to the bench. Rua Ngatikaura will start at hooker and Mason Teague goes to lock. Rhys Dakin and Amare Milford join the starting forward pack. Makahesi Makatoa goes to the interchange with Reuben Porter in the reserves.
Even without Ponga, New Zealand will be too strong for the Cook Islands and will be back in top two calculations, with their final Pool A game against Fiji likely to decide one of the semi-final spots.
New Zealand and the Cook Islands have only played once before, with New Zealand winning 84-10 in the 2000 World Cup.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: New Zealand by 40.
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