Sunday, June 10, 2012

PACIFIC NATIONS CUP TEST RUGBY: Samoa v Fiji

10.06.2012
Samoa v Fiji in Tokyo (Pacific Nations Cup)

Venue: Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

Preview
Both these teams won their first round matches last Tuesday. Samoa edged out Tonga 20-18 whilst Fiji surprisingly defeated Japan 25-19 with a fairly inexperienced side.

In a must win situation the victorious team in this match will likely be in line for the trophy. The losing team will most likely not.

Both teams have made changes from Tuesdays lineups. Fiji have beefed up their backline whist Samoa has added oohmph to their forwards.

This will be a cracker of a game!


Fiji were too strong for Japan last Tuesday. Can they perform again against Samoa? Image thanks to brisbanetimes.com.au


Samoa just edged out their Tongan neighbours last Tuesday. Can they edge past an improving Fijian side? Image thanks to irb.com

Last Five Encounters
25.09.2011 Samoa 27-7 in Auckland (World Cup, Pool D)
09.07.2011 Fiji 36-18 in Suva (Pacific Nations Cup)
26.06.2010 Samoa 31-9 in Apia (Pacific Nations Cup)
27.06.2009 Fiji 19-14 in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)
07.06.2008 Fiji 34-17 in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)

Samoa Last Five
05.06.2012 v Tonga W 20-18 in Nagoya (Pacific Nations Cup)
30.09.2011 v South Africa L 5-13 in Albany (World Cup, Pool D)
25.09.2011 v Fiji W 27-7 in Auckland (World Cup, Pool D)
18.09.2011 v Wales L 10-17 in Hamilton (World Cup, Pool D)
14.09.2011 v Namibia W 49-12 in Rotorua (World Cup, Pool D)

Fiji Last Five

05.06.2012 v Japan W 25-19 in Nagoya (Pacific Nations Cup)
02.10.2011 v Wales L 0-66 in Hamilton (World Cup, Pool D)
25.09.2011 v Samoa L 7-27 in Auckland (World Cup, Pool D)
17.09.2011 v South Africa L 3-49 in Wellington (World Cup, Pool D)
10.09.2011 v Namibia W 49-25 in Rotorua (World Cup, Pool D)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Samoa 11th, Fiji 13th
Oceania Table-Samoa 3rd, Fiji 4th

IRB Ranking Points
Samoa 75.81, Fiji 68.78

Prediction: Samoa by 3 points

Teams

30[1]

FIJI

 

15   Kameli Ratuvou  Saracens, England
14   Alusio Butonidualevu  Grenoble, France
13   Vereniki Goneva  Tarbes, France
12   Isake Katoniabu  Tailevu
11   Watisoni Votu  Lautoka
10   Setareki Koroilagilagi  Lautoka
9   Nemia Kenatale  Otago, New Zealand
8   Netani Talei (Capt.)  Edinburgh, Scotland
7   Malakai Volau  Suva
6   Josefa Domolailai  Pau, France
5   Leone Nakarawa  Tailevu
4   Apisai Naikatini  Toyota Verblitz, Japan
3   Waisea Daveta  Naitasiri
2   Seremaia Naureure  Nadroga
1   Jerry Yanuyanutawa  ACT Brumbies, Australia
       
16   Tuapati Talemaitoga  Southland, New Zealand
17   Setefano Somoca  Nadroga
18   Iliesa Ratuva  Nadroga
19   Ratu Malakai Ravula  North Harbour, New Zealand
20   Kelemedi Bola  Lautoka
21   Iliesa Salusalu * Lautoka
22   Waisea Nayacalevu  Melbourne RFC, Australia
       
    HEAD COACH: Inoke Mali

* New test cap

15[1]

SAMOA

15   Fa’atoina Autagavaia Marist Samoa
14   Paul Perez Vaigaga
13   Lolo Lui Moata'a
12   Paul Williams Stade Francais, France
11   David Lemi (Capt.) Glasgow Warriors, Scotland
10   Ki Anufe Marist RFC, Ak, New Zealand
9   Jeremy Sua Tasman, New Zealand
8   Benjamin Masoe Papatoetoe RFC, Ak, New Zealand
7   Maurie Fa’asavalu  Harlequins, England
6   Alafoti Faosiliva Toulon, France
5   Daniel Chricton Counties Manukau, New Zealand
4   Fa’atiga Lemalu Papatoetoe RFC, Ak, New Zealand
3   James Johnston  Harlequins, England
2   Wayne Ole Avei Bordeaux, France
1   Sakaria Taulafo Wasps, England
       
16   Steven Pelesiusi Fualau Canterbury, New Zealand
17   Logovii Mulipola Leicester Tigers, England
18   Maselino Paulino Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
19   Misioka Timoteo Vaiala
20   Galuefa Tuigamala Falamoe Wests RFC, Sydney, Australia
21   Fautua Otto  Bristol, England
22   Kenneth Pisi North Harbour, New Zealand
       
    HEAD COACH: Stephan Betham

1 comment:

  1. Your prediction just came true. I guess Fiji should got a better fly half. If Seremai Bai was there Fiji would have won.

    ReplyDelete