Samoa’s Manusina XV marked a special moment in international rugby when Masuisuimatamaalii Tauasa-Pauaraisa (Sui) and her daughter Marilyn-Rose Pauaraisa were named on the bench against Tonga’s Lofa XV on Tuesday.

It was a first for international test rugby: the mother-daughter duo entered the field together.

Their inclusion among the impact players added a unique dimension to the match, where experience and emerging talent were combined not just for performance, but for history.

Sui Pauaraisa’s career has long been defined by excellence. Recently honoured as the Seiuli Fiao’o Fa’amausili Women’s Player of the Year at the Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame, a long-time captain of the Manusina XV, and a representative of Samoa on the global stage on both codes (Union and League), she has competed across both sevens and fifteens, including elite competitions such as the Farah Palmer Cup and with the Melbourne Rebels.

“That was our dream, to play together and on the same rugby field,” she said.

For Marilyn-Rose, the moment felt both familiar and deeply meaningful.

“I think it feels like club rugby because we play together. And two weeks ago, before we came, we played together as the season has started back at home,” she said.

“I feel more safer when she’s on the field.” Marilyn Rose added.

“I think for me and my sister, we like watching our mom play and although this wasn’t part of the plan, I’m very grateful.”

For Samoa and the wider Pacific rugby community, this was more than a selection — it was a milestone.