NEW ZEALAND 47, TONGA 9. Rugby World Cup, Pool C

09.10.2015

Briefly
New Zealand were under pressure from the Tongans in the first half and lead 14-6 at halftime. The second half was a different story with the New Zealanders showing more class, speed and fitness than their Pacific cousins. The highlight was Ma’a Nonui scoring a try in his 100th test for New Zealand.

Also pleasing was Dan Carter’s goal kicking and general around the paddock play. This was not New Zealand at its best. Tonga, especially in the first half, dominated the scrum (take note opposing quarter finalists!) and gave the Kiwis a solid workout before the business end of the tournament.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Results 4 October

04.10.2015
Argentina 45, Tonga 16 in Leicester (World Cup, Pool B)
Ireland 16, Italy 9 in London (World Cup, Pool D)

Briefly
Argentina cruised past Tonga in Pool B whilst a below form Ireland managed a close 16-9 win over a resurgent Italy. The Italians had charismatic leader Sergio Parisse back in the team following injury.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Sunday 4 October

Argentina v Tonga in Leicester (World Cup, Pool B)

Briefly
Argentina should account for Tonga in their Pool B clash

Prediction: Argentina by 16 points. Score 37-21

TEAMS

Argentina
15 Joaquin Tuculet, 14 Santiago Cordero, 13 Matias Moroni, 12 Jeronimo De La Fuente, 11 Juan Imhoff, 10 Nicolas Sánchez, 9 Martín Landajo, 8 Leonardo Senatore, 7 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Tomás Lavanini, 4 Guido Petti, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Agustín Creevy (Capt.), 1 Marcos Ayerza.
Replacements
16 Julian Montoya, 17 Lucas Noguera, 18 Juan Pablo Orlandi, 19 Matias Alemanno, 20 Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 21 Tomas Cubelli, 22 Santiago Gonzalez Iglesias, 23 Horacio Agulla.
Head Coach: Daniel Hourcade

Tonga
15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Telusa Veainu, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Sione Piukala,
11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Sonatane Takulua, 8 Viliami Ma'afu,
7 Nili Latu (Capt.), 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Joseph Tuineau, 4 Tukulua Lokotui,
3 Halani 'Aulika, 2 Elvis Taione, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements
16 Aleki Lutui, 17 Sona Taumalolo, 18 Sila Puafisi, 19 Sitiveni Mafi, 20 Opeti Fonua, 21 Samisoni Fisilau, 22 Latiume Fosita, 23 David Halaifonua.
Head Coach: Mana Otai

Ireland v Italy in London (World Cup, Pool D)

Briefly
Ireland should have little difficulty against 6 Nations rivals Italy.

Prediction: Ireland by 28 points. Score 45-17

TEAMS

Ireland
15 Simon Zebo, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Keith Earls, 12 Robert Henshaw,
11 David Kearney, 10 Jonathon Sexton, 9 Conor Murray, 8 James Heaslip,
7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Peter O'Mahony, 5 Paul O'Connell (Capt.), 4 Iain Henderson, 3 Michael Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Jack McGrath
Replacements
16 Sean Cronin, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Nathan White, 19 Devin Toner,
20 Christopher Henry, 21 Eoin Reddan, 22 Ian Madigan, 23 Luke Fitzgerald
Head Coach: Joe Schmidt

Italy
15 Luke McLean, 14 Leonardo Sarto, 13 Michele Campagnaro, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 Giovanbattista Venditti, 10 Tommaso Allan, 9 Edoardo Gori,
8 Sergio Parisse (Capt.), 7 Simone Favaro, 6 Francesco Minto, 5 Joshua Furno, 4 Quintin Geldenhuys, 3 Lorenzo Cittadini, 2 Andrea Manici, 1 Matias Aguero.
Replacements
16 Davide Giazzon, 17 Michele Rizzo, 18 Dario Chistolini, 19 Alessandro Zanni, 20 Mauro Bergamasco, 21 Guglielmo Palazzani, 22 Carlo Canna, 23 Tommaso Benvenuti.
Head Coach: Jacques Brunel

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015: Other Results Day 2

19.09.2015
Georgia 17, Tonga 10 in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool C)
Ireland 50, Canada 7 in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool D)
France 32, Italy 10 at Twickenham (World Cup, Pool D)

Briefly
Georgia caused a minor surprise by defeating Tonga in Pool C. Tonga’s build up has been impressive but today Georgia, playing with their usual scrum power scored 2 tries to 1.

Ireland and France predictably won their first games in the tournament.

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2015

THIS IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT. THE WEBB ELLIS TROPHY

Past winners
1987-New Zealand
1991-Australia
1995-South Africa
1999-Australia
2003-England
2007-South Africa
2011-New Zealand
2015-?

Opening Games This Weekend

18.09.2015
England v Fiji at Twickenham (World Cup, Pool A)

19.09.2015
South Africa v Japan in Brighton (World Cup, Pool B)
Tonga v Georgia in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool C)
Ireland v Canada in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool D)
France v Italy at Twickenham (World Cup, Pool D)

20.09.2015
Wales v Uruguay in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool A)
Samoa v United States at Brighton (World Cup, Pool B)
New Zealand v Argentina in London (World Cup, Pool C)

PACIFIC NATIONS CUP: Finals Day

03.08.2015
Fiji 39, Samoa 29 in Vancouver (Pacific Nations Cup, Final)
Tonga 31, Japan 20 in Vancouver (Pacific Nations Cup, Playoff 3^rd-4th)
United States 15, Canada 13 in Vancouver (Pacific Nations Cup, Playoff 5^th-6th)

Briefly
Fiji finished strongly to defeat Samoa and recapture their dominance of Pacific rugby. Japan were defeated by Tonga and although this was not their strongest combination appear to have lost a little gloss to their game. The United States scored five penalty goals to sink Canada who slumped to last place in this competition. This was a huge disappointment for the host nation. They will be more than a little worried about their poor form leading up to the Rugby World Cup/

PACIFIC NATIONS CUP: Round 2, 24 July

24.07.2015
Tonga 28, Canada 18 in Vancouver (Pacific Nations Cup)
Fiji 30, Samoa 30 in Sacramento (Pacific Nations Cup)
United States 23, Japan 18 in Sacramento (Pacific Nations Cup)

Briefly
Tonga continued on its winning way in the PNC whilst the USA registered its first win.Canada slumped to their second loss this time on home soil whilst Samoa snuck up on Fiji in the second half to draw their match.

Round Three

29.07.2015
United States v Tonga in Toronto (Pacific Nations Cup)
Fiji v Japan in Toronto (Pacific Nations Cup)
Canada v Samoa in Toronto (Pacific Nations Cup)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 18 July

18.07.2015
Australia 24, South Africa 20 in Brisbane (Rugby Championship)
Fiji 30, Tonga 22 in Suva (Pacific Nations Cup)
Japan 20, Canada 6 in San Jose (Pacific Nations Cup)
Samoa 21, United States 16 in San Jose (Pacific Nations Cup)
Namibia 43, Russia 5 in Windhoek (2^nd test)
Kenya 36, Spain 27 in Nairobi (Friendly)

Briefly
Australia scored a try in the dying moments to snatch the game away from South Africa.

Fiji, Japan and Samoa opened the Pacific Nations Cup with wins.

In test rugby in Africa, Namibia easily accounted for Russia in the second test in Windhoek while Kenya defeated Spain in Nairobi,

2015 PACIFIC NATIONS CUP

Two Pools of 3 teams
Pool A-Samoa, Japan, Tonga
Pool B-Fiji, USA, Canada

18.07.2015
Fiji v Tonga in Suva
Canada v Japan in San Jose
United States v Samoa in San Jose

24.07.2015
Canada v Tonga in Vancouver
Fiji v Samoa in Sacramento
United Sates v Japan in Sacramento

29.07.2015
United States v Tonga in Toronto
Fiji v Japan in Toronto
Canada v Samoa in Toronto

03.08.2015-Finals Day
Place 5 v Place 6 in Vancouver
Place 3 v Place 4 in Vancouver
Place 1 v Place 2 in Vancouver-The Final

www.rugbyinternational.net

MID-YEAR INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY FIXTURES

The usually heavy June programme is much reduced in 2015 due to the international window moving to July. This has been organised to allow friendlies and the Pacific Nations Cup to be used as pre World Cup warm-ups.

31.05.2015
Fiji v Uruguay in Montevideo

26.06.2015
Fiji v Tonga in Suva

08.07.2015
New Zealand v Samoa in Apia

TEST RUGBY RESULTS TIER 2 07-08 NOVEMBER

08.11.2014
New Zealand Maori 20, Japan 18 in Tokyo
Tonga 23, Georgia 9 inTbilisi
United States 27, Romania 17 in Bucharest
Russia 31, Hong Kong 10 in Hong Kong

07.11.2014
Canada 17, Namibia 13 in Colwyn Bay

TIER 1-2 TEST RUGBY

16.11.2013
France v Tonga in Le Havre
United States v Georgia in Tbilisi
Fiji v Italy in Cremona
Canada v Romania in Bucharest

Briefly
France will be out to avenge their 14-19 Rugby World Cup loss to Tonga 2 years ago, the USA will have a tough encounter with Georgia whilst Fiji will need to be at their best to defeat Fiji. In the other game at this level Canada have a tough encounter with Romania

Predictions:
France by 30 v Tonga
Georgia by 18 v USA
Italy by 5 v Fiji
Canada by 11 v Romania

TIER 2 NATIONS: Spain v Chile, Fiji v Portugal, USA v NZ Maoris, Romania v Tonga

09.11.2013
New Zealand Maoris v United States in Philadelphia
Fiji v Portugal in Lisbon
Romania v Tonga in Bucharest
Spain v Chile in Santiago

Briefly
There are some interesting match ups in the Northern Hemisphere this weekend. The New Zealand Maoris displayed a typical Kiwi hard defensive game, quick skills and able to pounce on any opposition mistakes. The USA travel to Europe after this games whilst the Maoris go home.

Fiji should have little difficulty winning against Portugal but Romania could be in for a tough time against Tonga at home.

Spain plays its first game on a South American tour but should win against Chile.

Predictions
NZ Maoris by 40 v USA
Fiji by 30 v Portugal
Tonga by 10 v Romania
Spain by 26 v Chile

TONGA 27, JAPAN 17. PACIFIC NATIONS CUP

Tonga edged passed Japan in the opening 2013 Pacific Nations Cup fixture.

JAPAN v TONGA: Pacific Nations Cup

25.05.2013

Venue: Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium, Yokohama

Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

Preview
This is the first of the 2013 Pacific Nations Cup fixtures. Canada and the United States has been added to the 2013 schedule bringing back memories of the Pacific Rim competition of the nineties.

Tonga have a big reputation to live up to. last November they defeated Scotland in Scotland just after defeating the USA in Northern Wales. This follows a very impressive 2011 Rugby World Cup. These days Tonga has to be taken seriously. They have the disadvantage of having not played together since last November.

The Tongan Sibu Tau war dance something Japan will have to face.

Japan takes the field after yet another successful Asia Five Nations Championship in they won all games by wide margins including a 121-0 win over newcomers Philippines. Although playing at home they may not be toughened up enough to handle the always abrasive Tongans.

Other Comments
’No real surprises as the side is pretty setttled. Toshiaki Hirose is still injured so Yoshikazu Fujita gets his first run out against non A5N opposition. If Fujita or Fukuoka from the bench do well, I'm not sure Hirose will get back in the side straight away.

In the front row, there is another chance for Hiroshi Yamashita after he was destroyed by Romania in his last start against a Tier 2 side, whilst Masataka Mikami makes his first start against non A5N opposition. This will be a big test for both of them and by all accounts they have done a lot of work with Marc dal Maso and Fabio Ongaro in training to try and improve, and now we will see whether it has worked or not.

Notably Eddie Jones seems to have purposely added size in the front five players. In November, Japan played Yusuke Nagae at loosehead, who is 5ft 7in and 105kg, one of the lightest props around. Mikami is by no means the biggest prop out there not by a long way, but he 3 inches taller than Nagae and has an extra 10 kg over him. Whilst at tighthead, the heavier 122kg prop Yamashita is selected over Hatakeyama 114kg. Whilst at hooker, the 114kg Kizu is preferred over the Aoki who is 96kg. At lock, the 118kg Makabe is also preferred to add weight in the front five.’
Beeman2 at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4235&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=60

A few milestones to watch out for in the Japan vs Tonga game. (Thanks again to Beeman2)

- Hirotoki Onozawa will become the joint most capped Japanese player of all time, equalling the record of 79 held by Yukio Motoki.

- With 6 consecutive wins Japan are currently on their joint longest ever winning streak, if they beat Tonga that will be their all time record winning streak of 7.

- Japan have scored a try in their last 49 tests dating back to 2008, if they score in this match their run will become the joint second longest run of consecutive matches scoring a try in history. Only New Zealand with 104 matches (2004-2012) going longer.

- If Yoshikazu Fujita scores, he will equal the Japanese record held by Jack Tarrant set in 2009 of most consecutive matches scoring a try from his debut with tries in his first 5 matches.

- If Kensuke Hatakeyama gets on the field he will equal the record of Shin Hasegawa and Ryo Yamamura as most capped Japanese prop of all time.

Previous Encounters
10.06.2012 Tonga 25-20 in Tokyo (Pacific Nations Cup)
21.09.2011 Tonga 31-18 in Whangarei World Cup, Pool A)
09.07.2011 Japan 28-27 in Suva (Pacific Nations Cup)
26.06.2010 Japan 26-23 in Apia (Pacific Nations Cup)
27.06.2009 Japan 21-19 in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)

Japan Last Five P 5, W 5
10.05.2013 v United Arab Em. W 93-3 in Dubai (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
04.05.2013 v Korea W 65-5 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
27.04.2013 v Hong Kong W 38-0 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
20.04.2013 v Philippines W 121-0 in Fukuoka (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
17.11.2012 v Georgia W 25-22 in Tblisi

Tonga Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
24.11.2012 v Scotland W 21-15 in Aberdeen
17.11.2012 v United States W 22-13 in Colwyn Bay (IRB Int. Rugby Series)
10.11.2012 v Italy L 23-28 in Brescia
23.06.2012 v Fiji L 17-29 in Suva (Pacific Nations Cup)
10.06.2012 v Japan W 24-20 in Tokyo (Pacific Nations Cup)

Data from www.rugbyinternational.net

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Tonga 10th, Japan 14th

IRB Ranking Points
Tonga 76.10, Japan 70.09

Prediction: Tonga by 8 points.

TEAMS

Tonga
1-Eddie Aholelei (Melbourne Rebels) 2-Elvis Taione (Jersey Rugby Club) 3-Taione Vea (North Harbour) 4-Josh Afu (Kamaishi Sea Waves) 5-Tukulua Lokotui (Gloucester) 6-Hale T-pole (Southland) 7-Nili Latu (NEC Green Rockets) 8-Paula Kaho (Canberra Vikings) 9-Thomas Palu (Wellington Hurricanes Dev)
10-Fangatapu Apikotoa (Amatori Rugby) 11-Will Helu (Manly) 12-Sione Piukala (Perpignan) 13-Siale Piutau (Yamaha Jubilo) 14-Fetu'u Vainikolo (Connacht) 15-David Halaifonua (Tonga 7s)

Remplaçants:

16-Ilaise Ma'asi (CS Vienne Rugby Club) 17-Kamaliele Sakalia (Tonga A) 18-Peni Fakalelu (Pau) 19-Emosi Kauhenga (Ricoh Black Rams) 20-Viliami Fihaki (North Harbour) 21-Taniela Moa (Pau) 22-Kurt Morath (Kubota Spears) 23-Viliame Iongi (Tonga A)

 

http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-tongien-face-au-japon-2013.php

Japan

15. Ayumu Goromaru (Yamaha Jubilo, 23 caps)

14. Yoshikazu Fujita (Waseda, 4 caps)

13. Male Sa'u (Yamaha Jubilo, 3 caps)

12. Harumichi Tatekawa (Kubota Spears, 13 caps)

11. Hirotoki Onozawa (Suntory Sungoliath, 78 caps)

10. Kosei Ono (Suntory Sungoliath, 17 caps)

9. Atsushi Hiwasa (Suntory Sungoliath, 21 caps)

1. Masataka Mikami (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 3 caps)

2. Takeshi Kizu (Kobelco Steelers, 16 caps)

3. Hiroshi Yamashita (Kobelco Steelers, 19 caps)

4. Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 67 caps)

5. Shinya Makabe (Suntory Sungoliath, 13 caps)

6. Hendrik Tui (Suntory Sungoliath, 8 caps)

7. Michael Broadhurst (Ricoh Black Rams, 6 caps)

8. Takashi Kikutani (Toyota Verblitz, 57 caps, captain)

 

Replacements:

16. Yusuke Aoki (Suntory Sungoliath, 26 caps)

17. Takuma Asahara (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 4 caps)

18. Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory Sungoliath, 40 caps)

19. Shoji Ito (Kobelco Steelers, 11 caps)

20. Ryuta Yasui (Kobelco Steelers, 1 cap)

21. Keisuke Uchida (Tsukuba, 3 caps)

22. Yu Tamura (NEC Green Rockets, 7 caps)

23. Kenki Fukuoka (Tsukuba, 2 caps)

http://sakura.rugby-japan.jp/worldcup/2013/id19601.html).

TONGA v SCOTLAND, ARGENTINA v IRELAND

24.11.2012

Tonga v Scotland in Aberdeen

Briefly
A traditional ploy by Scotland is to drag unsuspecting visiting Pacific Island teams as far north as possible as close to winter as possible. Based on climate Tonga hasn’t a chance!

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Scotland 5th, Tonga 13th

IRB Ranking Points
Scotland 77.42, Tonga 74.51

Prediction: Scotland by 12 points

Argentina v Ireland in Dublin

Briefly
Argentina will look to bounce back after their disappointing loss to France last weekend. Ireland showed plenty of courage against South Africa two weeks ago. Should be a close game.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Argentina 6th, Ireland 10th

IRB Ranking Points
Argentina 79.89, Ireland 79.04

Prediction: Argentina by 7 points

IRB INTERNATIONAL RUGBY SERIES: Colwyn Bay, North Wales

17.11.2012
United States v Tonga

Tonga performed well against Italy last weekend. They will have too much strength for USA.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Tonga 13th, USA 18th

IRB Ranking Points
Tonga 74.22, USA 67.15

Prediction: Tonga by 12 points

Canada v Russia

Canada lost heavily to Samoa last weekend whilst Russia had a tough time losing to the USA.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Canada 15th, Russia 19th

IRB Ranking Points
Canada 71.39, Russia 61.51

Prediction: Canada by 16 points

TONGA v ITALY

10.11.2012

Venue: Stadio Mario Rigamonti, Brescia

Referee: Greg Garner (England)

Preview
There is not a lot between these two teams as far as IRB ranking points go so it could well be an even contest depending on the strength of each side on the day.

‘This year's November series has been given an added dimension as it will decide the seedings for next month's draw for World Cup 2015 in England. And while that will be an incentive for both teams, Italy will start Saturday's match as firm favourites for victory.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9989_8237066,00.html

Both teams will have other November games on their minds. Tonga will have the USA, Scotland and English Premier side Newcastle Falcons in their sites for a successful November series.

Italy will have huge challenges coming up when they face New Zealand (17.11) and Australia (24.11)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Italy 10th, Tonga 13th

IRB Ranking Points
Tonga 76.19, Italy 76.03

Prediction: If Tonga can defeat France then they can win against Italy.
Tonga to ambush Azzuri and win by 3 points

TEAMS

Italy
15 Andrea Masi, 14 Tommaso Iannone, 13 Tommaso Benvenuti, 12 Alberto Sgarbi, 11 Luke McLean, 10 Kristopher Burton, 9 Tobias Botes, 8 Sergio Parisse, Capt. 7 Robert Barbieri, 6 Alessandro Zanni, 5 Joshua Furno,
4 Quintin Geldenhuys, 3 Lorenzo Cittadini, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini 1 Andrea Lo Cicero.
Replacements
16 Davide Giazzon, 17 Alberto De Marchie, 18 Martin Castrogiovanni
19 Antonio Pavanello, 20 Simone Favaro, 21 Edoardo Gori, 22 Luciano Orquera, 23 Giovambattista Venditti.
Head Coach: Jacques Brunel

Tonga
15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 13 Sukanaivalu Hufanga, 12 Sione Piukala, 11 Viliami Helu, 10 Fangatapu 'Apikotoa, 9 Taniela Moa, Capt.
8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Sione Vaiomo'unga, 6 Sitiveni Mafi, 5 Tukulua Lokotui,
4 Joe Tu'ineau, 3 Halani 'Aulika, 2 Elvis Taione, 1 Alisona Taumalolo.
Replacements
16 Ilaisa Ma'asi, 17 Tevita Mailau, 18 Hale T-Pole, 19 Paula Kaho, 20 Samisoni Fisilau, 21 Alipate Fatafehi, 22 Viliame Iongi, 23 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Head Coach:Mana 'Otai

TONGA AND FIJI CLASH IN LAUTOKA

23.06.2012
Tonga v Fiji in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)

Venue: Churchill Park

Referee: Keith Brown (New Zealand)

Preview
These two island teams have battled it out on the rugby field many times in the past. They first played a test in 1924. Legend tells us they played on a paddock with a tree in the middle!

The significance of this match is not the Pacific Nations Cup (already won by Samoa) but in the pride of the islands.

Fiji is in a rebuilding stage. Following the disappointing showing of its Rugby World Cup squad, Fiji is building a new team. They started their 2012 Pacific Nation’s Cup campaign with a win over Japan but lost to eventual Cup winners Samoa a week later. Last weekend they lost to Scotland. This weekend they are fielding a less experienced side.No matter. The pressure is on. A home crowd won’t be happy with another loss.

Tonga has not had the hard encounter of a game against a team like Scotland. They come from a narrow win over Japan and a loss to Samoa. They have decided to field an experienced side and I fell this will go in their favour

I expect a very close game.

   
Whichever side you support each island team will perform their pre-match war dance and then it will be all on. Game time.

Last Five Encounters
19.08.2011 Tonga 32-20 in Lautoka (World Cup Warm-up)
13.08.2011 Fiji 27-12 in Lautoka (World Cup Warm-up)
02.07.2011 Tonga 45-21 in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)
19.06.2010 Fiji 48-31 in Apia (Pacific Nations Cup)
13.06.2009 Fiji 36-22 in Nuku’alofa (Pacific Nations Cup)

Fiji Last Five
16.06.2012 v Scotland L 25-37 in Suva
10.06.2012 v Samoa L 26-29 in Tokyo (Pacific Nations Cup)
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)

Tonga Last Five
10.06.2012 v Japan W 24-20 in Tokyo (Pacific Nations Cup)
05.06.2012 v Samoa L 18-20 in Nagoya (Pacific Nations Cup)
01.10.2011 v France W 19-14 in Wellington (World Cup, Pool A)
21.09.2011 v Japan W 31-18 in Whangarei (World Cup, Pool A)
14.09.2011 v Canada L 20-25 in Whangarei (World Cup, Pool A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Tonga 12th, Fiji 13th
Oceania Table: Fiji 4th, Tonga 5th

IRB Ranking Points
Tonga 76.19, Fiji 69.21

Prediction: Experience will tell. Tonga by 10 points

Teams

TONGA

15		Viliami Iongi	Llanelly Scarlets, Wales
14		Siale Piutau	Otago Highlanders, New Zealand
13		Mafileo Kefu	Dax, France
12		Alipate Fatafehi	Lyon, France
11		Alaska Taufa	Akita, Japan
10		Kurt Morath	Kubota, Japan
9		Taniela Moa (Capt.)	Pau, France
8		Paula Kaho	Canberra Vikings RFC, Australia
7		Sione Vaiomounga	Toloa Old Boys
6		Steven Mafi	Leicester Tigers, England
5		Joseph Tuineau	Montpellier, France
4		Joshua Afu	Carcarsson, France
3		Kisi Pulu	Perpignan, France
2		Ilaisa Maasi	Counties Manukau, New Zealand
1		‘Ofa Fainga’anuku	E.Suburbs RFC, Sydney, Aus.
16		Viliami Pola	South Canterbury, New Zealand
17		Sila Puafisi	Counties Manukau, New Zealand
18		Tukulua Lokotui	Kintetsu Liners, Japan
19		Vili Fainga'a	Univ.Queensland RFC, Australia
20		Thomas Palu	Municipal Timisovava, Romania
21		Sefa Vaka	Toyota Shokki, Japan
22		Edmond Paea	E Suburbs RFC, Sydney, Australia
		HEAD COACH: Toutai Kefu (Interim)

FIJI

15		Metuisela Talebua	Lautoka
14		Isimeli Koniferedi	Nadroga
13		Vereniki Goneva	Tarbes, France
12		Isake Katoniabu	Tailevu
11		Watisoni Votu	Lautoka
10		Jonetai Ralulu	Nadroga
9		Nikola Matawalu	Suva
8		Kelepi Ketedromo	Nadi
7		Malakai Volau	Suva
6		Josefa Domolailai	Pau, France
5		Leone Nakarawa	Tailevu
4		Apisai Naikatini	Toyota Verblitz, Japan
3		Setefano Somoca	Nadroga
2		Seremaia Naureure	Nadroga
1		Graham Dewes	Counties Manukau, New Zealand
16		Tuapati Talemaitoga	Southland, New Zealand
17		Jeremaia Yanuyanutawa	ACT Brumbies, Australia
18		Iliesa Ratuva	Nadroga
19		Apakuki Vuaviri	Lautoka
20		Kelemedi Bola	Lautoka
21		Benedito Koroi	Lautoka
22		Maikeli Mocetadra	Suva
		HEAD COACH: Inoke Mali

TEST RUGBY RESULTS UPDATE

09.06.2012
Bermuda 16, Bahamas 8 in Nassau (WCQ Americas; NACRA North R2)

This test rugby result means that Bermuda takes out the North Zone and will play Guyana in the NACRA final. This is to be played in Bermuda 23 June.

Pacific Nations Cup
10.06.2012
Samoa 29, Fiji 26 in Tokyo
Tonga 24, Japan 20 in Tokyo

Samoa needs to defeat Japan on 23 June and they gain the Pacific Nations Cup, which they last won in 2010. Tonga will play Fiji in Suva also on the 23 June.