Complete Squads for the 2011 PACIFIC NATIONS CUP

[AfakasiAssasin]

JAPAN

Props
Hisateru Hirashima, Naoki kawamata, Kensuke Hatakeyama, Nozomu Fujita
Hookers
Yusuke Aoki, Shota Horie, Takeshi Kizu
Locks
Hitoshi ono, Oshizumi Kitagawa, Luke Thompson, Justin Ives
Loose Forwards
Takashi Kikutani (captain), Michael Leitch, Itaru Taniguchi, Tadasuke Nishihara, Ryukolinisai Holani
Scrumhalves
Fumiaki Tanaka, Tomoki Yoshida, Atsushi Hiwasa
Flyhalfs
James Arlidge, Shaun Webb, Murray Williams
Centres
Yuta Imamura, Ryan Nicholas, Koji Taira
Wings
Hitoki Onozawa, Kosuke Endo, Takeshi Usuzuki
Fullbacks
Goshi Tachikawa, Go Aruga

FIJI
1. Graham Dewes
2. Viliame Veikoso
3. Deacon Manu (Capt)
4. Tevita Cavubati,
5.Sekonaia Kalou
6. Josefa Domolailai
7. Malakai Ravulo
8. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
9. Nemia Ranuku
10. Nicky Little
11. Timoci Nagusa
12. Gabiriele Lovobalavu (Vice-Capt)
13. Albert Vulivuli
14. Vereniki Goneva
15. Kini Murimurivalu
16. Campese Ma'afu
17. Talemaitoga Tuapati
18. Penijamini Makutu
19. Leone Nakarawa
20. Rupeni Nasiga
21. Malakai Volau
22. Masi Matadigo
23. Vitori Buatava
24. Waisea Luveniyali
25. Ravai Fatiaki
26. Adriu Delai
27. Ilikena Bolakoro
28. Taniela Rawaqa

TONGA
Props
Kisi Pulu, Tonga Lea'aetoa, Arizona Taumalolo, Semisi Telefoni
Hooker
'Ilaisa Ma'asi, Ifalemi Taukafa
Locks
Tukulua Lokotui, Lisiate Fa'aoso, Joseph Tu'ineau, Sitiveni Mafi
Loose Forward
Viliami Ma'afu, Tevita Ula, Sione Kalamafoni, Samiu Vahafolau (Captain), Osaiasi Pepa Koloamatangi, Sione Vaiomo'unga
Half back
Samisoni Fisilau, Soane Havea, Tomasi Palu
Flyhalf
Kurt Morath
Inside Centre
Andrew Ma'ilei, Alaska Taufa
Outside Centre
Sukanaivalu Hufanga, Hudson Tonga'uiha
Wing
Viliame Iongi, William Helu
Fullback
Vungakoto Lilo (Vice Captain), Mateo Malupo

SAMOA
Sakaria Taulafo, Anthony Perenise, Logovii Mulipola, Simon Lemalu, Ole Avei, Tii Paulo, Filipo Levi, Joe Tekori, Taiasina Tuifua, Daniel Leo, Kane Thompson,Maurie Faasavalu, Ezra Taylor, Manaia Salavea,George Stowers,Lualua Vailoaloa, Uale Mai, Tusi Pisi,Tasesa Lavea, Eliota Sapolu-Fuimaono, George Pisi, Johnny Leota, Seilala Maposua,Sailosi Tagicakipau, Alesana Tuilagi, Timoteo Iosua, Paul Williams, James Sooialo.

Travelling Reserves to Fiji:-
Mahonri Schwalger, Census Johnston, Jonathon Faamatuainu, Ray Ofisa, Afa Aiono, Ofisa Treviranus, Herman Porter, Brenton Helleur, Faatonu Fili, Fautua Otto, David Lemi, James Johnston.

 

[formerlyfastwing]

Pacific Nations Cup, this would be a good comp. for Canada to get involved with now the CC is ***s up

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

They used to be involved aswell as the USA when it was the Pacific Rim championship around 2000-2001. id like this idea of having them all together again in the one tournemant again, Would make for some very exciting rugby (alot more soo than the stale tri soon to be 4 nations).

 

[formerlyfastwing]

They used to be involved aswell as the USA when it was the Pacific Rim championship around 2000-2001. id like this idea of having them all together again in the one tournemant again, Would make for some very exciting rugby (alot more soo than the stale tri soon to be 4 nations).

yeah i remember that, i think these "size" nations ans quality of nation is the type Canada should be look to be better than. That is not meant in a negative way. I think the "islander" and their approach to the game is wonderful.

 

[Aedaphon]

Where's Henry Tuilagi in all this? I think Stowers is a great no. 8 but a Samoan squad with only one Tuilagi???

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

Good news for those in Australia. Fox Sports 2 will be broadcasting Both Pacific Nations games Tuesday morning starting at 3:30am EST with Fiji vs Tonga then at 5:00 am EST with Samoa vs Japan.

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

Lineups for Round 1
Fiji vs Tonga
FIJI
1. Graham Dewes
2. Viliame Veikoso
3. Deacon Manu
4. Sokonaia Kalou
5. Tevita Cavubati
6. Josefa Domolailai
7. Ratu Ravulo
8. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
9. Nemia Ranuku
10. Nicky Little
11. Timoci Nagusa
12. Gabiriele Lovobalavu
13. Albert Vulivuli
14. Vereniki Goneva
15. Kini Murimurivalu

Reserves
16. Talemaitoga Tuapati
17. Ratu Makutu
18. Leone Nakarawa
19. Malakai Volau
20. Vitori Buatava
21. Waisea Luveniyali
22. Adriu Delai

TONGA
1. ALISONA TAUMALOLO
2. EPHRAIM TAUKAFA
3. TONGA LEAAETOA
4. PAINO HEHEA
5. TUKULUA LOKOTUI
6. LISIATE FAAOSO
7. SAMIU VAHAFOLAU (CAPTAIN)
8. SIONE KALAMAFONI
9. SEMISONI FISILAU
10. KURT KURATH
11. VILIAMI IONGI
12. ANDREW MAILEI
13. ALASKA TAUFA
14. VILIAMI HELU
15. VUNGAKOTO LILO (V/C)

Reserves
16. SIONE VAIOMOUNGA
17. SEMISI TELEFONI
18. JOE TUINEAU
19. TEVITA HANITELI ULA
20. SOANE HAVEA
21. HUDSON TONGAUIHA
22. MATEO MALUPO

Samoa vs Japan
SAMOA
1.Sakaria Taulafo
2.Tii Paulo
3.Anthony Perenise
4.Iosefa Tekori
5.Daniel Leo
6.Ezra Taylor
7.Manaia Salavea
8.George Stower
9.Lualua Vaaloaloa
10.Tusi Pisi
11.Alesana Tuilagi
12.Seilala Mapusua (Captain)
13.George Pisi
14.Sailosi Tagicakibau
15.James Sooialo

Reserves
16.Ole Avei
17.Logovii Mulipola
18.Filipo Levi
19.Maurie Faasavalu
20.Uale Mai
21.Tasesa Lavea
22.Timoteo Iosua

JAPAN
1. HISATERU HIRASHIMA
2. YUSUKE AOKI
3. KENSUKE HATAKEYAMA
4. TOSHIZUMI KITAGAWA
5. LUKE THOMPSON
6. TAKASHI KIKUTANI
7. MICHAEL LEITCH
8. RYUKOLINIASI HOLANI
9. FUMIAKI TANAKA
10. SHAUN WEBB
11. TAKEHISA USUZUKI
12. RYAN NICHOLAS
13. YUTA IMAMURA
14. KOSUKE ENDO
15. GOSHI TACHIKAWA

Reserves
16. TAI KIZU
17. NAOKI KAWAMATA
18. JUSTIN IVES
19. ITARU TANIGUCHI
20. ATSUSHI HIWASA
21. MURRAY WILLIAMS
22. HIROTOKI ONOZAWA

 

[IKALETAHI]

Cant help but feel isitolo keeps getting it wrong with his mix. I understand hes giving players a run, but he reminds me of John Hart during the 99 World Cup ... experimenting with players out of position.

William Helu has been given enough chances, he doesnt have the pace or "X" FACTOR to start internationally. Give Mateo Malupo and Iongi a go on the Wings. Starting Samiu Vahafolau at 7 ? Hes not an openside Flanker and neither is Finau Maka so he might as well just give the spot permanently to Pepa Koloamatangi so he can get as much game time at international level as possible. Soane Tonga'uiha will start at 1 so I thought he would try and give Sona Taumalolo game time at Tighthead. Isitolo Maka picked 3 hookers Vaiomounga, Ma'asi, and Taukafa. Vaiomounga is too small to play hooker Internationally, So I dont know why Ma'asi isnt on the bench so he and Taukafa can get as much game time as possible. Ma'asi and Taukafa are guaranteed selection so they should both be in the 22 with Telefoni covering Hooker and Prop.

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

Cant help but feel isitolo keeps getting it wrong with his mix. I understand hes giving players a run, but he reminds me of John Hart during the 99 World Cup ... experimenting with players out of position.

William Helu has been given enough chances, he doesnt have the pace or "X" FACTOR to start internationally. Give Mateo Malupo and Iongi a go on the Wings. Starting Samiu Vahafolau at 7 ? Hes not an openside Flanker and neither is Finau Maka so he might as well just give the spot permanently to Pepa Koloamatangi so he can get as much game time at international level as possible. Soane Tonga'uiha will start at 1 so I thought he would try and give Sona Taumalolo game time at Tighthead. Isitolo Maka picked 3 hookers Vaiomounga, Ma'asi, and Taukafa. Vaiomounga is too small to play hooker Internationally, So I dont know why Ma'asi isnt on the bench so he and Taukafa can get as much game time as possible. Ma'asi and Taukafa are guaranteed selection so they should both be in the 22 with Telefoni covering Hooker and Prop.

Vahafolau and Maka are primarily number 8s who are more renown for their Power and size than their mobility. Opensides are generally more mobile than blindsides and number 8s as they are supposed to be the first forward to the breakdown after the scrum is broken up. If they are to play at flanker they need to be switched to blindside rather than openside. They should leave Koloamatangi where he was as he seems to be their first choice natural number 7. As good as Koloamatangi is, I really feel they are missing Nili Latu as their leader and first choice Openside Flanker.
I also dont understand playing three hookers in the lineup and having Tonga Lea'aetoa start. Kisi Pulu is in the squad so why not give him the start alongside Taumololo ? Lea'atoa was far from impressive at the Churchil cup, gave away alot of silly penalties and was destroyed come scrum time vs the English Saxons. Tonga are going into this match with alot of size (and power) in their pack, but I question their mobility and the Fijians may look to expose this using their agility, speed out wide, and getting to the breakdown quicker.
I think of those available atm Malupo and Iongi should start on the wings. Malupo coming off the bench can cover either at Wing or at Fullback but I think he is more suited to playing on the wing, and I think would be a better option than Helu to start.
IKALETAHI or the other Tongan posters, If I may ask what is your honest opinion of Isotolo Maka ? Do you think hes a good coach who is making the right moves and is taking the Tongan team in the right direction leading up to the RWC ??

 

[IKALETAHI]

Malo AfakasiAssasin I agree with everything you said thats why I dont understand Isitolo Makas selections at all. Like Iwas saying unless hes trying to do what Jake White did (pick BIG loose fowards to bash there way around) I dont see why Koloamatangi isnt getting as much international experience as he can. Koloamatangi is the only natural openside flanker in the squad, Finau Maka and Samiu Vahafolau are natural 8s. Agree with what you said about Lea'aetoa hes never impressed from 2003 till now hes been demolished come scrum time. I was hoping Isitolo would use these games to test Taumalolo at tighthead. Soane Tonga'uiha will start at loosehead. I think Tonga just has to find out who will start at tighthead , my guess would be from Taumalolo, Pulu, or Filise.

I just wish players like Taniela Moa and Nili Latu would be forgiven, players all over the world have been forgiven for doing alot worse than these two.

 

[IKALETAHI]

Isitolo hasnt settled with a combination yet either. Last year he tried 3 different openside flankers this yr hes had 2, Its time to stick with one and give him some game time. The only certanties seem to be Lilo, Kurt Morath, and Helu judging from his past selections and thats not good enough. I know as a tier 2 rugby nation its not easy, but Samoa has been building around a core group of guys for awhile now so it can be done. Cant help but feel Isitolo has left his experimenting too late.

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

I just wish players like Taniela Moa and Nili Latu would be forgiven, players all over the world have been forgiven for doing alot worse than these two.

Yes I feel he seems alittle too unforgiving towards the players he's cast out. As you said other players have been forgiven for doing much much worse. Take Fiji for example. Koyamaibole got drunk and punched the national teams coach In 2005 and he was allowed to play for them at the world cup in 2007. Isa Nacewa has done everything in his power to palm off being capped for Fiji in 2003 as if playing for Fiji means nothing or is an afterthought and yet they STILL come calling asking him to play. Rupeni Caucau, well we all know about his indiscretions off the pitch, but Fiji know that he is IMO their greatest talent (much like Latu) and they still open the door for him. I think punish the players if need be to set an example, but to completely shut the door on perhaps their greatest ever representative and the other guys, who have been soo instrumental to their past success, is to me harsh and excessive especially with Latu being soo open with his plea for forgiveness. In a RWC year, they NEED their best and to me Latu is still their best and a great leader. I think more could and should be done from either the rest of the selection committee or the Tongan community to reinstate him (and the others) back into the team.

 

[IKALETAHI]

Tonga got the win today 45-21 against Fiji. I think both teams used experimental sides so im not sure how much anyone can read into the result. Positives Tonga still has a few key players to return, along with new faces being added since the churchill cup, and having only a week together. To put 45 points on Fiji is real positive moving foward. Tongas real test I think will come against Samoa as they seem to match Tonga physically (Last yr they over-powered Tonga)

 

[aucklander]

Good start for Both Tonga and Samoa, Both teams dominated in the first round. Should be a really tough encounter between the two teams this coming weekend. Looking forward to this game. Hopefully Samoa will have their big guns in their test match against Australia. Kahn Fotuali'i was awesome in the stormers and Crusaders game and will be available in this game looking forward to it. Hopefully Samoa can have a second strength team to play fiji in their last pnc game as they have 3 days prior to that test match. Outstanding players in the japan game:
Ezra Taylor, Salavea, Taisina Tuifua, Tusi Pisi, George Pisi, Alesana Tuilagi, Tagicakibau, James Sooialo, Joe Tekori, Daniel Leo, Zakaria Taulafo.

 

[Amobokoboko]

I really enjoyed the game yesterday, I was surprised to see Nicky Little still plays for fiji ( haven(t watched that many Fiji games but still)
Great team effort by Tonga

 

[IKALETAHI]

Still haven't watched the Samoa game. They will be the real test for Tonga and should give Tonga an indication of where they are at. This Samoan team looks real class. I dont think Japan can match any of the three Pacific teams physically. Tonga picked their worst foward pack in recent history last year and still managed to come away with close games. I'll pick them to beat Japan, and then Tongas fans will get to see how good this Tongan team is when they face Samoa.

My Team vs Japan

15. Vunga Lilo
14. Mateo Malupo
13. Alaska Taufa
12. Andrew Mailei
11. Vili Iongi
10. Kurt Morath
9. Samisoni Fisilau
8. Viliami Ma'afu
7. Pepe Koloamatangi
6. Samiu Vahafolau/Sione Kalamafoni
5. Tukulua Lokotui
4. Paino Hehea
3. Kisi Pulu
2. Ilaisa Ma'asi
1. Sona Taumalolo

16. Eprahaim Taukafa
17. Semisi Telefoni
18. Joe Tuineau
19.Sione Kalamafoni/ Richard Fa'aoso
20. Tomasi Palu
21. Hudson Tonga'uiha
22. Suka Hufanga

 

[Muzzy]

i reckon Kolomaitangi is better than Nili Latu right now

i was really disappointed in Fiji, i think the main difference was their line outs and the fact they played like individuals, Fiji ruined many scoring opportunities with their terrible line outs, it got to the stage where they were better off just tapping the ball and running coz they couldn't win any of their own line outs or scrums. Fiji still need a good loose head prop, maybe Brumbies Yanuyanutawa, and i don't think Nicky Little's passing is good enough, his passing is slow and predictable and always throws loop passes so they always put the catcher under pressure, i was really suprised by Veikoso too coz he was one of Fiji's best players on the end of year tour last year, but he had a pretty bad game

Vulivuli and Lovobalavu did play great though, especially Vulivuli. Nagusa has really improved during the Top 14 and it showed in this game when he made breaks with ease and always looked dangerous when he got the ball

tonga's kurt morath was a beast with his goal kicking, and their fullback was a beast too, i guess they did what many teams do against Fiji, they kept fiji in their own half and try and force fiji to run it out, the game was very error ridden though, there were knock ons every five minutes

if Japan don't have James Arlidge then i think Tonga will beat them as well, they seem lost without him

 

[IKALETAHI]

Yea Vunga Lilo was dangerous for Tonga. Kalamafoni was a monster with ball in hand. I thought Andrew Mailei and Alaska Taufa were brilliant in defence. Paino Hehea and Lokotui also got through alot of work and did very well to cause problems for Fiji during the line-outs. Scrum went well, but untill Tonga'uiha joins in I think Tonga should go with Taumalolo and Pulu.

 

[DJRonStar]

Didn't see Tonga vs Fiji game but was quite surprised at the score line. Sounds like it were a brutal battle.

Manu Samoa vs Japan - Good opener for the men in Blue. A bit rusty at some areas but overall a good start to there campaign. Japan had a good scrum and tested the Manu tight five every time. Samoa will be better for it and should improve in all the facets of the game when they play Fiji this week. Look forward to see how the Fijians will be bounce back after their loss to Tonga. Well done to Japan for there never say die attitude.

Outstanding players for Samoa - James So'oialo, impressive with the boot and did well in his first test. Taiasina Tuifua, good go forwards yards and a hard to stop when in full flight. Very big defensive game. Alesana Tuilagi, scored 2 tries and always a handful to stop.

Vailoaloa had a tidy game and Uale did the same when he came on. Fotuali'i will be a key factor if Samoa are to go through beyond the pool stages in the world cup. He will add a lot when he returns. Other notable players missing - Mahonri Schwalger, Henry Tuilagi, Cencus Johnston, Eliota Sapolu, David Lemi, Paul Williams, Alapati Leiua....

Management will use the next two games to try a few more different combos and give fringe players a chance to show what they are worth. Am expecting a top 15 to be selected against Australia later this month.

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

A great opening round to the Pacific Nations cup. Just finished watching both games. Ill start with Tonga vs Fiji..
Tonga played very well. I think the gametime they got playing in the churchill cup paid dividends as they looked the more cohesive unit, especially come the set piece. Vunga Lilo was a star with his dangerous running and his chip and chase. He is one of the most underrated players in the pacific IMO. Hehea put on the big hits and worked hard all day as did kalamafoni and the rest of the forward pack. The backs were pretty good too with kurt Morath controlling the game well and his kicking was superb for most of the day. Iongi burning the Fijians for a length of the field try against the run of play was my highlight of the match. I will be stunned if Iongi doesnt get a proffesional contract either in Europe or Japan post RWC. He has pace to burn and has been nothing but fire for Tonga. Overal a great performance from the Tongan team very deserving of their 45-21 victory. They have now climbed to 12th in the IRB standings.
For Fiji, the backs tried hard and the loose trio of Domalailai, Ravulo and Waqaniborotu played pretty well. I feel the lineup in the second row, loose trio and halfbacks for Fiji looked more like their B team then their A side. Vulivuli and Lovobalavu make a great pairing in the centres but for most part of the day they had to work hard for their space and to get their hands on the ball. As Muzzy said at times they looked like a team of individuals rather than a cohesive unit as their set piece for most of the day was pretty bad. Nicky Little having tryline fever cost them a 14 point turnaround at a crucial point with ten minutes left in the game. I dont think hell start come the game vs Samoa. Fiji have alot to work on especially in the forwards.

Now onto Samoa vs Japan...
Samoas newcomers were very impressive in their 34-15 against Japan . I was particularly impressed by Taiasina Tuifua and James So'oialo. Tuifua at number 8 worked hard all day and passed the gain line on every occasion he had ball in hand. So'oialo was my man of the match as his defensive work was great and his kicking was even better. He'll have to sit behind Paul Williams as the 2nd choice fullback, but his time will come in the future as he is a very exciting prospect for the future. Just needs to bulk up alittle and put on some extra muscle. Vailoaloa and T Pisi combined well as our halfbacks as their distribution was good, though Pisi overcooked some of his kicks which gave the Japanese attacking oppurtunities with some good field position. Salavea was impressive at number 7 but was replaced By Maurie Fa'asuvalu early in the second half. Very happy to see Maurie return for samoa, though he did at times look alittle lost on the field haha. Still just happy to see him return for Samoa and Im sure give him a little more time and he'll find his feet again. I think all of Samoas senior players in the backs really played well (Tuilagi, G.Pisi, Mapasua and Tagicakibau) which is great as most of these players should make our first choice run on teams at the RWC. Samoas defence was good for most of the day but My biggest drawbacks were the set piece. I think Samoa needs alittle bit of work here as it seems they have taken a step back from holding their own in the set piece during last years November tour. That and their fitness in the forwards needs to be better.
Japan started of slow, and their goal kickers were horrible.The game couldve been alot closer if they had someone with a decent boot playing....James Arlidge's boot was definatly missed. Japan did rally in the later stages of the first half and in periods of the second half but their handling was alittle poor at times which cost them. They lacked an impact player to give them some real penetration (I think this is where they missed Alisi Tupuailei) and their lineout was shakey in the first half Their mauling was good though and they had a few players who stepped up in the backs in Endo, Usuzuki and Tanaka. Still a few things for Japan needing to work on for the rest of the PNC and prior to the RWC.