PACIFIC NATIONS CUP TEST RUGBY: Samoa v Fiji

10.06.2012
Samoa v Fiji in Tokyo (Pacific Nations Cup)

Venue: Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

Preview
Both these teams won their first round matches last Tuesday. Samoa edged out Tonga 20-18 whilst Fiji surprisingly defeated Japan 25-19 with a fairly inexperienced side.

In a must win situation the victorious team in this match will likely be in line for the trophy. The losing team will most likely not.

Both teams have made changes from Tuesdays lineups. Fiji have beefed up their backline whist Samoa has added oohmph to their forwards.

This will be a cracker of a game!

Fiji were too strong for Japan last Tuesday. Can they perform again against Samoa? Image thanks to brisbanetimes.com.au

Samoa just edged out their Tongan neighbours last Tuesday. Can they edge past an improving Fijian side? Image thanks to irb.com

Last Five Encounters
25.09.2011 Samoa 27-7 in Auckland (World Cup, Pool D)
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)

Samoa Last Five
05.06.2012 v Tonga W 20-18 in Nagoya (Pacific Nations Cup)
30.09.2011 v South Africa L 5-13 in Albany (World Cup, Pool D)
25.09.2011 v Fiji W 27-7 in Auckland (World Cup, Pool D)
18.09.2011 v Wales L 10-17 in Hamilton (World Cup, Pool D)
14.09.2011 v Namibia W 49-12 in Rotorua (World Cup, Pool D)

Fiji Last Five
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)
17.09.2011 v South Africa L 3-49 in Wellington (World Cup, Pool D)
10.09.2011 v Namibia W 49-25 in Rotorua (World Cup, Pool D)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Samoa 11th, Fiji 13th
Oceania Table-Samoa 3rd, Fiji 4th

IRB Ranking Points
Samoa 75.81, Fiji 68.78

Prediction: Samoa by 3 points

Teams

FIJI

 

15		Kameli Ratuvou	Saracens, England
14		Alusio Butonidualevu	Grenoble, France
13		Vereniki Goneva	Tarbes, France
12		Isake Katoniabu	Tailevu
11		Watisoni Votu	Lautoka
10		Setareki Koroilagilagi	Lautoka
9		Nemia Kenatale	Otago, New Zealand
8		Netani Talei (Capt.)	Edinburgh, Scotland
7		Malakai Volau	Suva
6		Josefa Domolailai	Pau, France
5		Leone Nakarawa	Tailevu
4		Apisai Naikatini	Toyota Verblitz, Japan
3		Waisea Daveta	Naitasiri
2		Seremaia Naureure	Nadroga
1		Jerry Yanuyanutawa	ACT Brumbies, Australia
16		Tuapati Talemaitoga	Southland, New Zealand
17		Setefano Somoca	Nadroga
18		Iliesa Ratuva	Nadroga
19		Ratu Malakai Ravula	North Harbour, New Zealand
20		Kelemedi Bola	Lautoka
21		Iliesa Salusalu *	Lautoka
22		Waisea Nayacalevu	Melbourne RFC, Australia
		HEAD COACH: Inoke Mali

* New test cap

SAMOA

15		Fa’atoina Autagavaia	Marist Samoa
14		Paul Perez	Vaigaga
13		Lolo Lui	Moata'a
12		Paul Williams	Stade Francais, France
11		David Lemi (Capt.)	Glasgow Warriors, Scotland
10		Ki Anufe	Marist RFC, Ak, New Zealand
9		Jeremy Sua	Tasman, New Zealand
8		Benjamin Masoe	Papatoetoe RFC, Ak, New Zealand
7		Maurie Fa’asavalu	Harlequins, England
6		Alafoti Faosiliva	Toulon, France
5		Daniel Chricton	Counties Manukau, New Zealand
4		Fa’atiga Lemalu	Papatoetoe RFC, Ak, New Zealand
3		James Johnston	Harlequins, England
2		Wayne Ole Avei	Bordeaux, France
1		Sakaria Taulafo	Wasps, England
16		Steven Pelesiusi Fualau	Canterbury, New Zealand
17		Logovii Mulipola	Leicester Tigers, England
18		Maselino Paulino	Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
19		Misioka Timoteo	Vaiala
20		Galuefa Tuigamala Falamoe	Wests RFC, Sydney, Australia
21		Fautua Otto	Bristol, England
22		Kenneth Pisi	North Harbour, New Zealand
		HEAD COACH: Stephan Betham