28.06.2014
South Africa 55, Scotland 6 in Port Elizabeth
Fiji 108, Cook Islands 6 in Lautoka (WCQ Oceania)
Briefly
South Africa were too strong for a weakened and tired Scotland at Port Elizabeth whilst Fiji had to overcome some stiff resistance from the Cook Islands in the first half before eventually overwhelming the visitors in the second half. Fiji has qualified for the 2015 Rugby World Cup
28.06.2014
South Africa v Scotland in Port Elizabeth
Fiji v Cook Islands in Lautoka (WCQ Oceania)
Briefly
Scotland has a huge hurdle to jump to be competitive against South Africa in Port Elizabeth. Firstly they have had to travel from Canada and secondly their record against USA and Canada was very ordinary. Coupled with a poor Six Nations and Scotland are well below the level that South Africa is playing at.
Prediction: South Africa by 50 points
The tiny nation of the Cook Islands takes on the Oceania giant of Fiji in Lautoka. The Cooks Islands has prepared for this game with matches against some minor New Zealand provincial unions. They will be spirited but will be outpaced, out-skilled and well behind by the end of the game.
Prediction: Fiji by 80 points
13.07.2013
Solomon Islands 23, Tahiti 22 in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Cook Islands 39, Papua New Guinea 31 in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Briefly
The Cook Islands are now the new holders of the Oceania Cup and the team that will take on Fiji next year for a place at the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals. In the curtain raiser The Solomon Islands just edged out a vastly improved Tahiti for 3rd place. There is no relegation in the Cup.
13.07.2013
Solomon Islands v Tahiti in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Cook Islands v Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Briefly
Today is crunch day for the Oceania nations and in particular Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands. The winner will face Fiji next year to find the Oceania place at the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals.
The Cooks have a slight advantage I feel. They have some hardened New Zealand-based players whilst PNG has struggled with a very young and inexperienced lineup so far.
Prediction
Cook Islands to win by 10 points
In the earlier game Tahiti and Solomon Islands should slug out a very close game. Both sides have shown they are no pushover. I’ve been impressed with Tahiti and predict them to win-just.
Tahiti by 3 points
09.07.2013
Cook Islands 39, Solomon Islands 12 in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea 39, Tahiti 32 in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Briefly
Cook Islands will play Papua New Guinea in what will be the final. Papua New Guinea struggled against Tahiti and will find the Cook Islands more than a handful on Saturday.
Final Day Fixtures
13.07.2013
Solomon Islands v Tahiti in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Cook Islands v Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
06.07.2013
British and Irish Lions 41, Australia 16 in Sydney (3rd Test)
Cook Islands 38, Tahiti 5 in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea 29, Solomon Islands 22 in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Briefly
The British and Irish Lions rounded off a very successful tour of Australia with an emphatic 41-16 win in the third and final test. After being down 3-16 Australia fought back just before halftime to score a try and went to the break 10-19 down. They crawled up to 16-19 just after halftime before the Lions scored three second half tries to seal a memorable victory and take the series 2-1. It was the first Lions series win since 1997.
The Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea got their World Cup Qualifying campaign off to a good start. Providing they win mid-week, next Saturday’s clash between Saturday’s winners should provide the final, the competition decider and the team that has to face Fiji next year for the Oceania No.3 spot at the 2015 Rugby World Cup Finals.
06.07.2013
Cook Islands v Tahiti in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea v Solomon Islands in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Venue: Port Moresby
Preview
A daunting task awaits the winner of this tournament-Fiji. Samoa and Tonga were automatic qualifiers for the 2015 Rugby World Cup Finals following the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Fiji failed to qualify so as the No.3 Oceania team they will play the winner of this tournament for a finals place. The losing team will be eliminated as there is no repechage place for them.
“It is hot” was the first comment by players and officials of the Cook Islands rugby team on arrival in Port Moresby yesterday. Coach Barry George said the heat will be something his team have to put up with when they take on Tahiti in the first game on Saturday at the Lloyd Robson oval in Port Moresby. “The team assembled in Auckland on Sunday and we have the next three days to acclimatise to the Port Moresby weather,” George said. He said of the 26 players, seven are from Australia where they play in premier competitions and four from New Zealand who play in the Provincial Cup competition. Nineteen will be making their debuts for Cook Islands in this tournament.
Captain Stan Wright who plays in France said despite the boys not playing together, they have all fitted well. “We had our first training session together on Tuesday night in Auckland and they are all well conditioned and got on with each other well,” Wright said. He said they are looking forward to giving their best and win the Cup from PNG. Meanwhile Sports and Pacific Games Minister Justin Tkatchenko urged the players at a welcome functions at the 14 mile Adventure Park to play in the true spirit of sportsmanship over the next 10 days.
“Play hard and play the Pacific way and display some rugby our people including Solomon Islanders, Cook Islanders and Tahitians living in Port Moresby can come and enjoy,” the Minister said. He added the Oceania Cup was supported by the National Government as a national event and places rugby high up with rugby league. “The facilities at PRL may not be good now but when you return for the 2015 Pacific Games, it will be of world class,” Tkatchenko said. He said the PRL was acquired by the national government last week and more than K150 million will be spent to upgrade its facilities.
PNGRFU president Richard Sapias also welcomed the teams and thanked the National government for their support and major sponsors Monier. “This is an important tournament as the winner plays Fiji in a world cup qualifier next year so play tour best and in the true spirit of sportsmanship,” Sapias said.
The Oceania Cup kicks off on Saturday at the Lloyd Robson oval when Tahiti meet Cook Islands at 1pm followed by the Monier PNG Pukpuks up against the Solomon Islands Hunters.’
postcourier.com.pg/20130704/sport.htm
Game 1: Cook Islands v Tahiti
Tahiti last took part in the 2007 Oceania Cup so return after a gap of 6 years! Tahiti Nui had two training games before departure for Oceania 2013 :
Tahiti Nui v RC Paita (Nex Caledonia) : 18 - 14
Tahiti Nui v Barbarians Manu Ura (Tahiti) : 38 - 3
Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4322&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=30 and all following information has come from that site.
‘A Tahiti player named in the article Clyde Mauahiti is based with St Nazaire in Fédérale 1.’http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4322&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=741fb90f1d4fe887756cdc97a90bdc64&start=30
Cook Islands Squad
Chay Raui (Ponsonby-fullback), Nathan Robinson (South Canterbury Heartland-fullback), Ioane Ioane (Hastings-wing), Junior Napara (Manukau-wing), James Iopu-Johnston (Parramatta-wing/half , James Raea (Auckland Uni-centre), Louis Makuare (Brisbane-centre), Leon Elia (South Brisbane-1st/2nd), Greg Mullany (East Brisbane-2nd), Sam Vaevae (Pakuranga-1st), Charles Teraitua (Manukau-halfback), Andrew Putairi (Papatoetoe -halfback), Francis Smith (Tasman ITM-No.8/hooker, Rima Elikana (Auckland-No. 8/lock), Kyle Cowan (Brisbane-flanker), Nick Connell (Karaka CT-flanker), Brooke Cowan (Brisbane-flanker), Iro Teariki (Manukau-lock), Viliami Raea (Hawks Newcastle-lock), Mark Ioane (Hastings-No. 8/lock), Alex Matapo (Auckland-prop), Anam Mana (Manukau-prop), Mathew Mullany (Wellington-hooker), Joseph Marsters (Rotoiti BOP- hooker), Stan Wright (Stade France-prop), Jacob Marsters (Rotoiti BOP-prop).
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4322&start=30
Cook Island team schedule and management
Trial in Auckland on June, 3rd to select 26 players for Oceania Cup (from July, 2nd to July, 13th).
Training camp in Brisbane from June, 28th to July, 1st
Head Coach : Barry George, Assistant Coach : Greg Aldous, Team Manager : Cam Kilgour
http://www.sportsground.co.nz/psci
Previous Encounters
30.07.2007 Cook Islands 47-22 in Papeete (WCQ Oceania Rnd 1B)
30.08.2003 Cook Islands 56-18 in Auckland (Oceania Cup, East Zone)
02.06.2001 Cook Islands 86-0 in Rarotonga (WCQ Oceania, Group 1A)
20.02.1997 Cook Islands 40-0 in Papeete (WCQ Pacific, Round A)
These two teams also met twice in 1982, each side winning a game.
Historically the Cook Islands has been a much stronger side. I can’t see that changing when you look at the competition their players are in in Australia and New Zealand. Without knowing the composition of the Tahitian side I’d predict a handsome win by Cook Islands.
Prediction: Cook Islands by 60 points
Game 2: Papua New Guinea v Solomon Islands 
Preview
On their home ground it is difficult to see PNG been defeated. They do have a younger squad with only a handful players selected from the 2011 side.
Teams
PNG possible line up.
Keto Neheja (loose-head prop), Kapua Kapua (hooker), Ryan Sambath (tight-head prop), William Maniot, Miai (locks), Geti Raka, Butler Morris (flankers), Gabriel Biyama (No. 8 ), Liebert Suang (half-back), Jonah Kautu Jnr (five-eighth), Jackson Pato (second five), Morea Pease (centre), Hubert Tseraha, Henry Liliket (wings), Tisa Kautu (fullback).
http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/52277
Solomon Islands Squad not available
These two teams have meet previously on three occasions.
01.12.2011 Papua New Guinea 33-15 in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
12.12.2007 Papua New Guinea 49-6 in Port Vila (Oceania Cup, East Zone)
13.08.2005 Papua New Guinea 45-7 in Honiara (WCQ Oceania, Round 1A)
Prediction: PNG by 40 points.
To be held in Papua New Guinea
Participating teams PNG, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Solomon Islands
All games to be played at the Rugby League Grounds, Port Moresby
Schedule
6 July: Cook Islands v Tahiti; PNG v Solomon Islands
9 July: Solomon Islands v Cook Islands; Tahiti v PNG
13 July: Solomon Islands v Tahiti; PNG v Cook Islands
The winner is due to face Fiji in a playoff for the Oceania 1 qualifying spot.
New Zealand, Australia, Tonga and Samoa have already qualified.
http://www.oceaniarugby.com/tournaments/oceania_cup/2013/2013_oceania_cup_fixtures_and_results.html
Very disappointing that previously regulars Nui and Vanuatu are not participating.
For the lists of all test matches played by the above teams go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Venue: Growers Stadium
Referee: Benjamin Skeen (New Zealand)
Preview
Last year the Cook Islands selected a team of only local players when they faced Niue in the Oceania Cup semi-final. The result was they lost! Will they pick their strongest team with a full complement of New Zealand-based players? I reckon they will!
And they do. "Local rugby players Bruce Goldsworthy and Turori Matutu are currently in Auckland as members of the national squad which will take on Niue at the weekend in the Oceania Cup East play off. The pair are the only Rarotonga-based players in the team and they have joined other Cook Islands players from Australia and New Zealand, at their camp in Pukekohe." from http://www.cookislandsnews.com/sports.htm#16
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