PNC (Pacific Nations Cup)

[errlloyd]

Right well the 2008 IRB Pacific Nations Cup is kicking off on Saturday with Fiji against Samoa, then NZ Maori against Tonga and on Sunday Australia A against Japan.

I think most of the matches are covered on Setanta and for anyone who hasn't got it, you can watch it (legally I think) on a program called tv ants.

The 2006 and 2007 winners Junior All Blacks have packed up and headed off for the Churchill cup so it throws it wide open.

It's an important competetion as it rounds of rugbies top 14 in my opinion, some would argue Romania are better then Japan making it top 15 but thats another debate. I think Argentina should play in it tbh.

Anyone opinions ?

I think Maori should win it.

 

[ws4life]

Big ups to Foxsports who r giving full coverage of this years PNC. I think The Maori should win n I think maybe Japan to cause an upset or 2.

 

[ws4life]

Samoa squad
1 Loleni Tafunai Hooker Vaiala
2 Mahonri Schwalger (Vice) Hooker Vaiala
3 Census Johnston Prop Saracens
4 Hiroshi Tea Prop Vaimoso
5 Evile Telea Prop SCOPA
6 Muliufi Salanoa Prop SCOPA
7 Filipo Levi (Captain) Lock Ricoh, Japan
8 Chad Slade Lock Vaivase
9 Jonathan Faamatuainu Lock Bath, UK
10 Ruperake Petaia Loose Forward Vaiala
11 Raymond Stowers Loose Forward Brisbane
12 Bell Sasulu Loose Forward Auckland-Samoa
13 George Stowers Loose Forward Japan
14 Notise Tauafao Halfback Malie
15 Roger Warren First Five Marist
16 Neli Sasulu First Five Auckland-Samoa
17 Samasoni Moala Second Five Vaivase
18 Paletuatoa Toelupe Centre Marist
19 Gasolo Salima Centre Marist
20 Esera Lauina Winger Vaivase
21 Sapau Laauli Winger Auckland-Samoa
22 Henry Faafili Winger Montepelli, France
23 David Lemi (Vice) Winger Bristol, UK
24 John Vui FullBack Auckland-Samoa
25 Daniel Leo
26 Setaleki Luau
27 Semo Sititi
28 Luti Pese
29 Ki Anufe
30 Dominic Gabriel

Tonga Suad
2 Viliami Ma'asi
3 Prop, Toma Toke
4 Sateki Mata'u
5 Makoni Finau
6 Tonga Lea'aetoa (NZ)
7 Locks, Sione Timani
8 Emosi Kauhenga
9 Samiu Ika
10 Josh Afu
11 Breakaway, Hale Pole Tu'uhoko
12 Otenili Langlangi a.k.a Otenili Latu
13 Lotu Filipine
14 Tevita Fifita
15 Halfbacks Soane Patita
Pat Boon
Sioape Havea
16 Enele Taufa
17 Flyhalf,Fangatapu 'Apikotoa
18 Vaea Poteki
19 Inside Centre Epeli Taione
20 Isileli Matakaiongo Tupou
21 Centre, Hudson Tonga'uiha (NZ)
22 Winger, Samisoni Pone
23 Sione Lavaka
24 Tupou Palu
25 Fullback, Vungakoto Filimone Lilo
26 Sione Mone Tu'ipulotu

Fiji squad:
Forwards: Graham Dewes, Sunia Koto, Kele Leawere, Wame Lewaravu, Semisi Naevo, Akapusi Qera, Jone Railomo, Aca Ratuva, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Vereniki Sauturaga, Viliame Seuseu, Alefoso Yalayalatabua, Netani Talei, Deryck Thomas.

Backs: Filimoni Delasau, Vereniki Goneva, Maleli Kunavore, Waisea Luveniyali, Timoci Nagusa, Sireli Naqelevuki, Kameli Ratuvou, Jonetani Ralulu, Mosese Rauluni, Dan Rawaqa, Michael Tagicakibau, Aporosa Vata.

Japan Squad

PR Tatsukichi Nishiura 20 February 1976 Coca Cola West Red Sparks
PR Yote Inose 15 March 1982 NEC Green Rockets
PR Tomokazu Soma 5 June 1977 Sanyo Wild Knights
PR Yosuke Ikegaya 24 August 1979 Suntory Sungoliath
HK Taku Inkokuchi 10 May 1982 Toshiba Brave Lupus
HK Yosuke Aoki 19 June 1983 Suntory Sungoliath
HK Yoshimitsu Yasue
LK Hitoshi Ono 6 May 1978 Toshiba Brave Lupus
LK Tomoaki Taniguchi 26 August 1982 Toyota Verblitz
LK Taira Sato 6 February 1982 NEC Green Rockets
LK Toshizumi Kitagawa 7 February 1981 Toyota Verblitz
LK Luke Thompson
FL Takashi Kikiutani 24 February 1980 Toyota Verblitz
FL Hare Makiri 11 August 1979 f***uoka Sanix Blues
FL Koji Shinozuka
FL Yoshitaka Nakayama 31 May 1978 Toyota Verblitz
N8 Ryu Koliniasi Holani 25 October 1981 Sanyo Wild Knights
N8 Takuro Miuchi 11 December 1975 NEC Green Rockets
SH Tomoki Yoshida 22 February 1982 Toshiba Brave Lupus
SH Fumiaki Tanaka
FH James Arlidge 11 August 1979 Newport Gwent Dragons
FH Shaun Webb 30 December 1981 World Fighting Bull
CE Shotaro Onishi 18 November 1978 Yamaha Jubilo
CE Ryan Nicholas 23 May 1979 Suntory Sungoliath
CE Yuta Inamura 31 October 1984 Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers
CE Koji Taira 11 August 1979 Suntory Sungoliath
WG Hirotoki Onozawa 29 March 1978 Suntory Sungoliath
WG Christian Loamanu
WG Hiroki Yoshida 16 November 1981 Toshiba Brave Lupus
WG Kosuke Endo 11 November 1980 f***uoka Sanix Blues
FB Bryce Robins 19 September 1980 NEC Green Rockets
FB Go Aruga 3 November 1983 Suntory Sungoliath

NZ Maori Squad
Tim Bateman * Canterbury, Kaitahu
Daniel Braid Auckland, Tainui
Stephen Brett * Canterbury, Kaitahu
Callum Bruce Waikato, Ngati Kahungunu
Keith Cameron Otago, Te Whanau Apanui
Aled de Malmanche Waikato, Tainui
Jason Eaton * Taranaki, Ngati Apa
Hikawera Elliot * Hawke’s Bay, Ngati Kahungunu
Jacob Ellison * Wellington, Ngati Porou
Tamati Ellison Wellington, Ngati Porou
Ross Filipo Wellington, Ngati Raukawa
Hosea Gear Wellington, Ngati Porou / Aitanga Mahaki
Glen Horton Otago, Te Whaetoa
Jason Kawau Southland, Ngati Apa
Tanerau Latimer Bay of Plenty, Ngati Rangi
Zar Lawrence Bay of Plenty, Ngapuhi
Hoani MacDonald Southland, Rangitane
Ben May Tasman, Tainui
Liam Messam Waikato, Tuhoe
Clint Newland * Hawke’s Bay, Ngati Kahungunu
Shannon Paku Wellington, Ngati Kahungunu / Tuhoe
Chris Smylie North Harbour, Ngati Mutunga
Dwayne Sweeney Waikato, Tainui
Hayden Triggs Manawatu, Ngati Kahungunu
Thomas Waldrom Wellington, Ngati Porou
Piri Weepu Wellington, Whakatohea

Aus A squad
Forwards: Al Campbell (Brumbies), Mitchell Chapman (Brumbies), Pek Cowan (Western Force), Sean Hardman (QLD), Matt Hodgson (Western Force), Leroy Houston (QLD), Van Humphries (QLD), Peter Kimlin (Brumbies), Poutasi Luafutu (QLD), Tai McIsaac (Western Force), Salesi Ma'afu (Brumbies), Julian Salvi (Brumbies), Guy Shepherdson (Brumbies), Jerry Yanuyanutawa (Sydney University).

Backs: Matt Carraro (NSW), Scott Daruda (Western Force), Francis Fainifo (Brumbies), Mark Gerrard (Brumbies). Daniel Halangahu (NSW), Josh Holmes (Brumbies), Ben Lucas (QLD), Sam Norton-Knight (NSW), Patrick Phibbs (Brumbies), Tyrone Smith (Brumbies), Timana Tahu (NSW), Morgan Turinui (QLD).

 

[errlloyd]

Japan only won one game last year, Fiji I think. Lets hope rugby starts to develop there, I hear Tokyo want a team in the Super 14 (15)

 

[ws4life]

Japan only won one game last year, Fiji I think. Lets hope rugby starts to develop there, I hear Tokyo want a team in the Super 14 (15) [/b]

They could manage financially , but would they be competetive enough to survive and draw enough numbers for attendance would be the question.

 

[errlloyd]

Money is what it is all about, Western Force for example ?

 

[gingergenius]

Why do I recognise so few of the Tongan and Samoan players? what happened to the likes of fa'atau, sailosi tagicakibau, latu, maka etc...???

And why is nalaga not in the fiji team?

 

[Gavin]

The reason for the Pacific Nations Cup is to develop the players who do not get regular games against opposition of the same level. If the Super14 was expanded it would develop these players even further. Yesterday I read an artical suggesting that if the Pacific Islander's entered the World Cup, they could reach the semi-finals. This would be great for the team, but it would also mean that less players from the Pacific would get to have a go at world-class nations.

 

[ws4life]

Why do I recognise so few of the Tongan and Samoan players? what happened to the likes of fa'atau, sailosi tagicakibau, latu, maka etc...???

And why is nalaga not in the fiji team? [/b]

A couple of players are probably taking a break after a long season of rugby in the northern hemisphere plus players have to pay out of their own pockets if they are to return and play in the islands. Fa'atau is old, Latu is there (His name is now Otenili Langlangi) n Nalaga I heard may be holding out for a french jersey.

 

[ChiefsFan]

How come someones name changed...?

JABs haven't gone to the Churchill Cup, they're just no forming this year due to the stupid Maoris need to have a home competition.

The Maoris should win, they have great players in important positions and still have a bunch of Maybe Blacks.

 

[gingergenius]

<div class='quotemain'> Why do I recognise so few of the Tongan and Samoan players? what happened to the likes of fa'atau, sailosi tagicakibau, latu, maka etc...???

And why is nalaga not in the fiji team? [/b]

A couple of players are probably taking a break after a long season of rugby in the northern hemisphere plus players have to pay out of their own pockets if they are to return and play in the islands. Fa'atau is old, Latu is there (His name is now Otenili Langlangi) n Nalaga I heard may be holding out for a french jersey.
[/b][/quote]

wooot join tuqiri, sivivatu, rokocoko, cama ... fiji's managed to lose some sick players

 

[Fa'atau82]

I know for a fact that Samoa Rugby Union asked any foreign-based players to be in Samoa by 20th May if they want to stake a claim to play in PNC. David Lemi and Anitele'a Tuilagi both arrived as their seasons were ended with Bristol and Leeds and they played in at least 2 of the PRC games and well enough to get a shot for PNC.

So that's why there isn't many 'star' names for Samoa. Nili Latu also played for Tautahi Gold this season and he is available for Tonga. As for Fiji, there were no real standouts in their PRC squads, but they needed some big names to come in and give Fijian a boost for PNC.

I think Clermont are racing away at the top of the TOP14 at the moment, so they are not going to let free-scoring Nalaga leave them for Fiji duty just yet. Delasau might be different, as i think Nalaga might be keeping him limited in his apperances perhaps.

I would expect that perhaps later some of the star names will turn up, although they have had a very long season and need some rest.

Besides, it is no good keep picking the Fa'atau's and Tuilagi's for these types of competitions because the whole point of PNC is to develop new players so that the Islands will have a much larger pool of test players to pick from.

 

[gingergenius]

I know for a fact that Samoa Rugby Union asked any foreign-based players to be in Samoa by 20th May if they want to stake a claim to play in PNC. David Lemi and Anitele'a Tuilagi both arrived as their seasons were ended with Bristol and Leeds and they played in at least 2 of the PRC games and well enough to get a shot for PNC.

So that's why there isn't many 'star' names for Samoa. Nili Latu also played for Tautahi Gold this season and he is available for Tonga. As for Fiji, there were no real standouts in their PRC squads, but they needed some big names to come in and give Fijian a boost for PNC.

I think Clermont are racing away at the top of the TOP14 at the moment, so they are not going to let free-scoring Nalaga leave them for Fiji duty just yet. Delasau might be different, as i think Nalaga might be keeping him limited in his apperances perhaps.

I would expect that perhaps later some of the star names will turn up, although they have had a very long season and need some rest.

Besides, it is no good keep picking the Fa'atau's and Tuilagi's for these types of competitions because the whole point of PNC is to develop new players so that the Islands will have a much larger pool of test players to pick from.
[/b]

why?

It's not normal for 6N or Tri Nations teams to leave out their best players in those tournaments... surely the Pacific nations would get better if they picked their best team all the time... people are saying that what al these developing nations need is a serious competition to play annually; here is one and they're not taking it seriously...

 

[ws4life]

why?

It's not normal for 6N or Tri Nations teams to leave out their best players in those tournaments... surely the Pacific nations would get better if they picked their best team all the time... people are saying that what al these developing nations need is a serious competition to play annually; here is one and they're not taking it seriously...
[/b]

Like I said, players have to pay outta their own pockets to return and play in the islands plus the fact they have just finished playing long stints in europe puts off alot of players, or so I think.

 

[esoj]

seems like fox have the rights in australia which means we should be able to see every game pretty much. they may not always be live but at least they will be shown.

 

[gingergenius]

<div class='quotemain'>

why?

It's not normal for 6N or Tri Nations teams to leave out their best players in those tournaments... surely the Pacific nations would get better if they picked their best team all the time... people are saying that what al these developing nations need is a serious competition to play annually; here is one and they're not taking it seriously...
[/b]

Like I said, players have to pay outta their own pockets to return and play in the islands plus the fact they have just finished playing long stints in europe puts off alot of players, or so I think.
[/b][/quote]

That's a shame.

As an idea, could the tournament not be put back a couple of weeks? And the iRB or an airline should be sponsoring the players to travel...

 

[ChiefsFan]

Wow, the NZ Maori look really bad... In my opinion it was a VERY stupid idea granting them the spot ahead of the JABS.

Just a little bit of comparison...

2006
Junior All Blacks
Points For: 167
Points Against: 47
Average Points For: 42
Average Points Against: 12
Bonus Points: 4/4

2007
Junior All Blacks
Points For: 228
Points Against: 34
Average Points For: 46
Average Points Against: 7
Bonus Points: 5/5

2008
New Zealand Maori
Average Points For: 20
Average Points Against: 9
Bonus Points: 0/1

Not a great start to the Maoris campaign.

I was having a look at the squad comparisson from last year.

Omissions From the NZ Maori (from the JABS last year):
Wyatt Crockett
Scott Hamilton
Campbell Johnstone
Casey Laulala
Kieran Read
Mose Tuiali'i
Sosene Anesi

I've only listed those who haven't left NZ or aren't in the ABs. Almost half of those guys were close to being ABs this year and shows an idiocy on the behalf of the NZRU.

 

[devilrrr]

Yeah Maori pretty ordinary, makes you wonder what would have happened if Tonga could have kept their whole team on the field...

 

[ws4life]

Yeah Maori pretty ordinary, makes you wonder what would have happened if Tonga could have kept their whole team on the field... [/b]

I think Tonga played really well, their defence and set piece was pretty good for most of the night, yet again discipline was the key to their undoing.

 

[candybum]

I don't get Epi Taione aye, he's suspended again... He's either a real idiot or just a thug in the game... He doesn't learn his lesson. Am i missing something?

http://rugbyrugby.com/news/story_8608164410.php