PACIFIC NATIONS CUP TEST RUGBY

09.07.2011
Fiji v Samoa in Suva (Pacific Nations Cup)

Venue: National Stadium

Referee:

Preview
The oldest rivalry in Pacific rugby is renewed today when Samoa take on hosts Fiji. They played their first test encounter back in 1924. Fiji may have the home advantage but Samoa is the holder of the Pacific Nations Cup and has better recent form.

Fiji has made a number of changes from the side that lost 21-45 to Tonga last weekend. A number of European-based players are out. The Samoan line up is not available on line.

Despite Samoa’s form Fiji will bounce back to make this a close hard-fought game.

Rival captains Manu and Schwalger
hold the Pacific Nations Cup.
Photo thanks to fijirugby.com

Last Five encounters
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)
19.05.2007 Samoa 8-3 in Apia (Pacific Nations Cup)
24.06.2006 Fiji 23-20 in Suva (Pacific Five Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Fiji 12th, Samoa 13th
Oceania Table-Samoa 3rd, Fiji 4th

IRB Ranking Points
Samoa 75.58, Fiji 74.05

Prediction: Samoa by 3 points

Teams

Fiji
15. Taniela Rawaqa
14. Ilikena Bolakoro
13. Albert Vulivuli
12. Ravai Fatiaki
11. Vereniki Goneva
10. Nicky Little
9. Nemia Serelevu
8. Sakiusa Matadigo
7. Malakai Ravulo
6. Rupeni Nasiga
5. Leone Nakarawa
4. Sekonaia Kalou
3. Deacon Manu, Capt
2. Talemaitoga Tuapati
1. Campese Ma’afu
Reserves
16. Viliame Veikoso
17. Penijamini Makutu
18. Josefa Domolailai
19. Malakai Volau
20. Vitori Buatava
21. Waisea Luveniyali
22. Adriu Delai

Adapted from http://www.fijirugby.com/pages.cfm/fru-news/?section=2011&newsid=flying-fijians-team-list-versus-samoa

Out from v Tonga- Murimurivalu, Lovobalavu, Nagusa, Ranuku, Waqaniburotu, Cavubati, Dewes, Tuapati and Buatava.

Samoan team not available