Sunday, September 25, 2011

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Fiji v Samoa, Pool D

25.09.2011

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Referee: Bryce Lawrence (new Zealand)

Preview
Rival Pacific Island nations meet in the heart of a city that is second home to thousands of Fijians and Samoans. There is an intense and keen competition between two nations in which rugby is their national sport.

For both teams this world cup has been disappointing. Samoa lost to Wales, a game they have won in the past, whilst Fiji were outplayed in the running game 3-49 to South Africa. Fiji ran the South Africans close in Pool play at the 2007 World Cup.

A lot is resting on this outcome. The winner has a chance of making the quarter finals. The winner also has a chance at automatic qualifying for the next Rugby World Cup.

Last Five Encounters
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)
19.05.2007 Samoa 8-3 in Apia (Pacific Nations Cup)

Samoa and Fiji have never meet at a Rugby World Cup Finals Tournament before.

Samoa This World Cup
14.09.2011 v Namibia W 49-12 in Rotorua
18.09.2011 v Wales L 10-17 in Hamilton

Fiji This World Cup
10.09.2011 v Namibia W 49-25 in Rotorua
17.09.2011 v South Africa L 3-49 in Wellington

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Samoa 9th, Fiji 14th
Oceania Table-Samoa 3rd, Fiji 4th

IRB Ranking Points
Samoa 73.59, Fiji 71.01

Prediction: Samoa by 7 points

Teams

30[1]

Fiji
15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Gaby Lovobalavu, 12 Seremaia Bai, 11 Naipolioni Nalaga, 10 Nicky Little, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Sisa Koyamaibole, 7 Mala Ravulo, 6 Netani Edward Talei, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Seko Kalou, 3 Deacon Manu,Capt. 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma'afu.
Head Coach: Samuela Domoni
Replacements
16 Talemaitoga Dautu Tuapati, 17 Setefano Somoca, 18 Rupeni Nasiga, 19 Akapusi Qera, 20 Vitori Tomu Buatava, 21 Albert James Vulivuli, 22 Waisea Sedre Luveniyali
Head Coach: Samuela Domoni

15[1]

Samoa
15 Paul Williams, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Faasavalu, 6 Taiasina Tuifua, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Daniel Leo, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Mahonri Schwalger,Capt. 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements
16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Filipo Lavea Levi, 19 Manaia Salavea, 20 Jeremy Sua, 21 Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu, 22 James Sooialo.
Head Coach: Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua

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