WORLD CUP QUALIFYING: Oceania Finals Day

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.

WCQ OCEANIA: Oceania 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

OCEANIA CUP DAY 2

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)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 6 July

06.07.2013
British and Irish Lions 41, Australia 16 in Sydney (3^rd 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.

OCEANIA CUP 2013

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.

2013 Oceania Cup and World Cup Qualifiers

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

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY RESULTS: 3 December

03.12.2011
Australia 24, Wales 18 in Cardiff
Solomon Islands 48, Vanuatu 20 in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea 36. Niue 7 in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

Briefly
Australia crashed Wales’ Shane Williams party by winning their test match 24-18 in front of a sell-out crowd. Shane Williams had the last say, scoring his 58th test try in the final play of the match.

Papua New Guinea retain the Oceania Cup. defeating Niue 36-7 in the final match. Solomon Islands finished off a very successful tournament with a 48-20 win over Vanuatu.

The future of Oceania rugby looks bright. These tournaments really need to have a future focus. The winners need more reward than just bragging rights. The results perhaps could go towards a Rugby World Cup qualifying  tournament.

OCEANIA CUP RUGBY: Final Round

03.12.2011
Papua New Guinea v Niue in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
Vanuatu v Solomon Islands in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

Previews
Host nation PNG have dominated this tournament so far. Solomon Islands have been the dark horse to date, upsetting Niue in the first match and then pushing the hosts on day 2.

An unusual feature of these games has been the number of unconverted tries. On Day 2, only 1 of the 14 tries scored was converted.

Sadly not all of Oceania’s members fronted up to this tournament. Notable non attendees were Cook Islands, New Caledonia and Tahiti.

Excellent reviews can be found here
Day 1 http://www.oceaniarugby.com/111129_oceania_cup_png_and_solomon_islands_take_e.html/ref/267

Day 2
http://www.oceaniarugby.com/111201_oceania_cup_png_and_niue_win_round_2.html/ref/267

Onto todays games

Vanuatu v Solomon Islands in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

 

Previous Encounters
08.12.2007 Vanuatu 18-5 in Port Vila (FORU Oceania East)
29.07.2005 Solomon Islands 20-12 in Port Vila (WCQ Oceania R1, Pool A)
16.06.2001 Solomon Islands 11-3 in Honiara (WCQ Oceania 1B)

This Tournament
Vanuatu
v Papua New Guinea L 3-78
v Niue L 13-32

Solomon Islands
v Niue W 22-19
v Papua New Guinea L 15-33

GWC Rugby Rankings
Do not apply as neither teams played a test match in 2010

IRB Ranking Points
Solomon Islands 39.06, Vanuatu 34.77

Prediction
Solomon Islands by 40 points

Papua New Guinea v Niue in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

 

Previous Encounter
22.04.2008 PNG 46-27 in Paliati (FORU Oceania Cup Final)

This Tournament
Papua New Guinea
v Vanuatu W 78-3
v Solomon Islands W 33-15

Niue
v Solomon Islands L 19-22
v Vanuatu W 32-13

GWC Rugby Rankings
Do not apply. Only PNG is ranked

IRB Ranking Points
PNG 46.19, Niue 41.14

Prediction: PNG by 38 points

OCEANIA CUP RUGBY: Day 1 29 November

29.11.2011
Solomon Islands 22, Niue 19 in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea 78, Vanuatu 3 in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

Briefly
Solomon Islands caused a minor surprise when they defeated Niue on the first day of the 2011 Oceania Cup. Papua New Guinea ran away with the main game, a 78-3 win over Vanuatu.

Day 2 continues Thursday
01.12.2011
Vanuatu v Niue in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea v Solomon Islands in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

The tournament concludes Saturday
03.12.2011
Vanuatu v Solomon Islands in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea v Niue in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

The Oceania Cup is run by the IRB’s regional body for the area, FORU.

Rugby Test: Samoa in Papua New Guinea

18.07.2009
Samoa v Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania R2 Playoff)

Venue: Lloyd Robson Oval

Preview
Samoa gave the Papua New Guineans a mother of a hiding last weekend in Apia. The 115-7 score line was a disaster for the visitors, who, whilst not expected to win, were expected to give a good showing. Now, the locals will be in damage control mode, hoping to keep the score below the century, and hopefully below fifty. Their only hope is that Samoa could not bring their best team, the trip to PNG from Apia took forever and that the local water will bring half the Samoan team to their knees.

“The game this weekend is a very serious one for us. The Pukpuks have had a chance to review last week’s match and they would have identified areas to plug and counter the gaps we found last week. I expect they will improve as a result. They will be very hard to beat, because they will be playing in front of their home crowd, they will be playing for pride and respect and they believe they have a chance to win as they feel we are weakened by some of our players that are unavailable.”says Manu Samoa Assistant Coach, Fepulea’i Patu from Port Moresby.

And comment from PNG coach Billy Rapilla..“The boys were a little conservative in Apia but we’re now focused on their own game. It was all mental for our boys. We will need a stronger frame of mind come tomorrow,” he said. The scoreline was not indicative of how well the Pukpuks can play “but of how bad we can get when we let our concentration falter”.

Coments thanks to http://www.samoarugbyunion.ws/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=303&Itemid=1

Last weekend's game was the first played between these two Oceania nations.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Oceania Table-Samoa 4th, PNG 6th

Prediction: Well, it won't be like last week's bloodbath but I expect the Samoans, even if most are local players, will just have too much power for the locals. The young Samoans will be looking ahead to further opportunities in the Samoan team for 2010, and then the World Cup in 2011, and even for club contracts overseas. For them there is a lot to play for.
Samoa to win by 50.

Teams

Samoa
15. Titi Esau
14. Mikaele Pesamino
13. Gavin Williams (c)
12. Eliota Fuimaono – Sapolu
11. Esera Lauina
10. Lolo Lui
9. Uale Mai
8. Semo Sititi
7. Ofisa Treviranus
6. Afa Aiono
5. Simaika Mikaele
4. Nifo Nifo
3. Fosi Palaamo
2. Andrew Williams
1. Ernest Skelton

Reserves
16. Heroshi Tea
17. Roy-Siu Tolufale
18. Logovi’i Mulipola
19. Notise Tauafao
20. Alatasi Tupou
21. Pesamino Alauni
22. Meki Magele

Head Coach: Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua

http://www.samoarugbyunion.ws/index.php%20...%203&Itemid=1

The probable Pukpuks
Westley Thomas
Kapua Kapua
Adam Hill
Willie Rikis
Aaron Miai
Alex Haija
Ray Vagi
Yaisuo Giheno
Lawrence Acanufa
Edwin Noki
David Eri
Ray Romalus
Chris Hogi
Roland Namo
Jack Maraha
Amean, Meria
Charlie Maips
Philip Suapo
Frank Genia
Gina Ponda
Richard Mark

Head Coach: Billy Rapilla

http://www.thenational.com.pg/071709/sport1.php

Test Match: Papua New Guinea Challenges Samoa

11.07.2009
Samoa v Papua New Guinea in Apia (WCQ Oceania R2 Final, 1st leg)

Preview
Papua New Guinea earned the right to challenge Samoa for a place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals with a 29-21 win over the Cook Islands in Port Moresby last weekend. PNG has never managed to get past the big three of Pacific Island rugby before and they will face a daunting task.

Samoa, fresh from their Pacific Nations Cup campaign will be too strong for their lesser experienced rivals. The Samoan team is not as strong as that that took part in the Pacific Nations Cup.

These two teams have never met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Oceania Table-Samoa 3rd, Papua New Guinea 6th

Prediction: Samoa by 42 points.

Teams

Manu Samoa Squad
FORWARDS
Andrew Williams
Mahonri Schwalger
Census Johnston
Fosi Palaamo
Ernest Skelton
Heroshi Tea
Daniel Leo
Filipo Levi
Semo Sititi
Jonathan Faamatuainu
Ofisa Treviranus
George Stowers
Misioka Timoteo
Simaika Mikaele

BACKS
Tauafao
Alatasi Tupou
Ki Anufe
Eliota Fuimaono
Seilala Maposua
Gavin Williams
Henry Faafili
Lolo Lui
Esera Lauina
Reupena Levasa
Uale Mai
Pesamino Alauni
Titi Esau
Mikaele Pesamino

Head Coach: Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua

http://www.samoarugbyunion.ws/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=32&Itemid=254

Not involved
Alesana Tuilagi (wing, Leicester)
Henry Tuilagi (back row, Perpignan)
Salosi Tagicakibau (wing, London Irish)
Justin Va'a (Prop, Glasgow)
Joe Tekori (2nd Row, Castres)
David Lemi (wing, Wasps)

Papua New Guinea Squad
Lawrence Acanufa
Shane Amean
Peatrie Birney
David Eri
Paul Genia
Yaisuo Giheno
Alex Haija
Adam Hill
Chris Hogi
Chris Kakah
Kapua Kapua
Desmond Korpork
Charlie Maips
Jack Maraha
Namo Mark
Richard Mark
Aaron Miai
Edwin Noki
Gina Ponda
Rikis (capt)
Ray Romalus (vc)
Philip Suapo
Westley Thomas
Ray Vagi
Head Coach: Billy Rapilla

Out injured
Emmanuel Auru
Manu Gairo Jr
http://www.samoarugbyunion.ws/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=32&Itemid=254

Weekend Results 4-5 July

04.07.2009
British and Irish Lions 28, South Africa 9 in Johannesburg (3rd Test)
United States 12, Canada 6 in Charleston (WCQ America R2, 1st Leg)
Philippines 25, Guam in Manilla (Asia Nations Div.4, Final)
Iran 48, Indonesia 13 in Manilla (Asia Nations Div.4, Playoff 3rd-4th)

05.07.2009
Papua New Guinea 29, Cook Islands 21 in Port Moresby

Reviews
Finally and at last the British and Irish lions let loose and won comfortably against a South African side that struggled the whole match. The Springbox 'Second Fifteen', as they were labelled, were not allowed to play their usual game and found a fired-up Lions side determined to take something from this tour. There will be questions about the wisedom of the South African selectors decisions to rest players and to the depth of the South African squad that will face Australia and New Zealand in a few weeks time.

The USA gained the best birthday present ever. A win against canada on the 4th of July! Although no tries were scored it was a entertaining close, physical match. The USA now head for Edmonton, Canada next weekend where they will hope to win and place themselves directly into the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The Philippines won promotion to Asia Nations Division 2 with a convincing 25-0 win against Guam. Iran won 48-13 against Indonesia thus relegating the Indonesians to Division for 2010.

And last but not least Papua New Guinea won the Oceania Zone World Cup qualifier against the Cook Islands. They now head to Apia next weekend for a playoff against Samoa in the first leg of the Oceania R2 final.

International Rugby Matches This Weekend 4 July

04.07.2009
British and Irish Lions v South Africa in Johannesburg (3rd Test)
United States v Canada in Charleston (WCQ America R2, 1st leg)
Guam v Philippines in Manilla (Asia Nations Div.3, Final)
Indonesia v Iran in Manilla (Asia Nations Div.3, 3rd-4th)

05.07.2009
Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania R1, Final)

Rugby Match: Papua New Guinea face Vanuatu

27.06.2009
Papua New Guinea v Vanuatu in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania R1, SF 2)

Preview
Vanuatu have a real battle on their hands in the form of the local team. Papua New Guinea rugby is measurably stronger than their eastern neighbour, as previous results suggest.

Previous Encounters
15.12.2007 Papua New Guinea 46-0 in Port Vila (FORU Oceania East)
20.08.2005 Papua New Guinea 97-3 in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania R1A)
09.06.2001 Papua New Guinea 32-10 in Port Vila (WCQ Oceania 1B)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Oceania-Papua New Guinea 8th, Vanuatu 10th

Prediction: The locals will just have too much power and class, to win by 70 points.

Teams

Papua New Guinea
15 Jack Maraha
14 Emmanuel Auru
13 Chris Hogi
12 Raymond Romalus
11 David Eri
10 Edwin Noki
9 Lawrence Acanufa
8 Yaisuo Giheno
7 Ray Vagi
6 Alex Haija
5 Aaron Miai
4 Willie Rikis, Capt.
3 Adam Hill
2 Kapua Kapua
1 Westley Thomas
Replacements
16 Manu Gairo Jr.
17 Peatrie Birney
18 Philip Suapo
19 Charles Maips
20 Roland Namo
21 Chris Kakah
22 Richard Mark
Adapted from http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/qualifying/news/newsid=2032550.html#png+ready+rise+rwc+qualifying+challenge
Vanuatu Squad
John Amos
Mara Bakokoto
Stevie George
Barry Kalotiti
Koko Kalsal
Andrew Kalsakau, Capt.
Kaltonga Kalsau
Geoffrey Kausei
Oliver Licht
Tonny Lui
Pakoa Managawai
Vatumaraga Molisa
George Renganvanu
George Sablan
James Seule
Nalu Sope
Henderson Toa
Jenery Toara
Graham Tungan
Frederick Ure
Romiti Usmoli
Joe Wesley
Adapted from http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/qualifying/news/newsid=2032550.html#png+ready+rise+rwc+qualifying+challenge

2008 A Year of Rugby; Part 3

Oceania

Travel! For the lower nations on this table this has been a major factor in their international rugby arrangements for 2008, especially at the senior level.

Oceania is governed by FORU, The Federation of Oceania Rugby Unions. There are fourteen rugby unions affiliated to this federation. The minor unions are divided into two zones, East and West. These zones will be involved in the 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying process in 2009, the winner playing Samoa for a place in the Cup Finals.

Each zone holds a round robin tournament at one venue with the winners squaring off for a single winner-takes-all title. There is no promotion-relegation into the Pacific Nations Cup, which involves Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.

In 2008 the Eastern Zone tournament was to be held in Rarotonga, whilst the West was to be in Noumea. It was expected that American Samoa would enter for the first time. But it all turned out to be a bit of a fizzer.

Firstly, Papua and New Guinea and Solomon Islands pulled out of the Western Zone, to be held in Noumea, at the last minute due to travel difficulties. PNG had warmed up with a 5-41 loss to Fiji 'A' in the curtain raiser to the Fiji v Samoa game at Lautoka, June 7. Wallis and Futuna also withdrew. That just left Vanuatu and New Caledonia, with the home side winning 29-20.

The Eastern Zone fared no better. Tahiti pulled out as did American Samoa leaving just the Cook Islands and Niue to play in Rarotonga. The Cook's decided only to play home-based players and lost 7-18, a mistake I'm sure they will not make in next years World Cup qualifiers.

The final in Noumea saw Niue easily win 27-5 to take the Oceania Cup for 2008.

Neither Tahiti nor Solomon Islands played international rugby in 2008 so they both drop off the table. The lower rankings look like this.

10th-Vanuatu
9th - New Caledonia
8th-Papua New Guinea
7th - Cook Islands
6th-Niue

Samoa, Tonga and Fiji played in the Pacific Nations Cup, along with Japan, Australia 'A' and New Zealand Maori.

5th-Fiji
The Fijians were unable to improve on their 5th placing in 2007. Traditionally the leading Pacific island nation over the years they have slipped against their close neighbours. An early win over Samoa was countered by an away loss to Tonga in the last fixture of the tournament, sealing Fiji's 5th ranking.

4th-Tonga
The Tongans slipped from 3rd in 2007, losing to Samoa early in the tournament but upsetting the Fijians at home to prevent a slip further to 5th place. Generally the Tongans were unable to maintain their magnificent efforts at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

3rd-Samoa
Although losing to Fiji early in the tournament, the Samoans came back strongly with a youthful side to defeat Tonga at the right time and secure 3rd place. The gap from 3rd to 2nd to the top nations was emphasised with the Samoans' 14-101 loss to New Zealand in New Plymouth

New Zealand and Australia again hold the top two positions. It is difficult to see any other Oceania nations coming anywhere near these two.

2nd-Australia
For the fourth year in a row the Aussies play second fiddle to the Kiwis who had a magnificent season, except for a slight wobble in the middle of the Tri Nations. New Zealand and Australia played four times for the Bledisloe Cup. New Zealand dropped the first encounter in Sydney, but then took out the next three, including an historic meeting in Hong Kong, to keep their top position in Oceania.

1st-New Zealand.

Part 4 will see a review of North American rugby

For a complete list of all 2008 GWC Rugby Rankings, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/