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.

AUSTRALIA v BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS: 3rd Test 6 July

06.07.2013
Australia v British and Irish Lions in Sydney

Venue: ANZ Stadium

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Preview
With the series squared 1-1 last Saturday the deciding test is about to be played. With only a 1-point and a 2-point margin between these two teams in the first two tests this could go either way. The whole rugby world will be watching this game. Can’t wait!

What a week it’s been leading up to this game. Firstly James Horwill was cleared to play after being banned and then Warren Gatland’s bomb blast on Tuesday when he left Brian O’Driscoll ot of the squad of 23 for this vital game. The question asked in the media has been, ‘Where are the leaders?’. With Warburton, O’Connell and now O’Driscoll out this Lions side appears to be lacking leadership going into this vital game. As Planet-Rugby points out Gatland’s future hangs in the balance-If the Lions win it will be a stroke of genuis, if they lose it will be a selection disaster. So more hangs on the outcome of this test.

Then in the Australian camp veteran George Smith, one of the masterminds of Australia’s 2001 victory over the Lions, has been included at the expense of in-form player Michael Hooper who drops to the bench.

Whatever happens a capacity 80,000 fans in red or yellow will witness what could be the greatest game in 2013.

ANZ Stadium

Prediction: Australia by 2, again!

The teams

Australia
15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Israel Folau, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Joseph Tomane, 10 James O'Connor, 9 Will Genia, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 George Smith, 6 Benjamin Mowen, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 James Horwill, Capt. 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements
16 Saia Faingaa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Sekope Kepu, 19 Robert Simmons,
20 Benjamin McCalman, 21 Michael Hooper, 22 Nicholas Phipps, 23 Jesse Mogg.
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

British and Irish Lions
15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 James Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Michael Phillips, 8 Tobias Faletau,
7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Danial Lydiate, 5 Geoffrey Parling, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, Capt. 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Alexander Corbisiero.
Replacements
16 Thomas Youngs, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Danial Cole, 19 Richard Gray,
20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Manu Tuilagi.
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

TEST RUGBY RESULTS FOR 29 June

29.06.2013
Australia 16, British and Irish Lions 15 in Melbourne (2^nd Test)
Ivory Coast 18, Morocco 15 in Abidjan (CAR Division 1C)
Nigeria 45, Zambia 10 in Yamoussouko (CAR Division 1C)
Niger 17, Mauritius 13 in Yamoussouko (CAR Division 1C)

Briefly
The Lions-Australia series goes to the third test next weekend as the decider. 2-point win to Lions last weekend and now a 1-point win to Australia yesterday. Who said the Lions tour concept was dead. Two very exciting games decided at the end. Next weekend’s game will be a cracker!

The Ivory Coast caused an upset when they defeated tournament favourites Morocco. Ivory Coast are promoted to Division 1B for 2014 whilst Morocco stays in 1C for another year.

AUSTRALIA V BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS: 2nd Test

29.06.2013

Venue: Docklands Stadium (Etihad Stadium),

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Preview
This is the first featured match this weekend. The other is the CAR Africa Cup clash in Division 1C between Morocco and Ivory Coast.

All eyes however will be on Melbourne in this crucial rugby test match. The Lions narrowly, and perhaps luckily, won the first test 23-21 last weekend in Brisbane. Despite injuries the Australians will be desperate to tie the series going into the final test in Sydney next weekend.

Both side have made changes for this rugby test match. Some for Australia have been injury-forced whilst for the Lions their changes have been positional.

Whatever happens it will be close. I’m going for an Australian win that will provide a sensational build up to the final test in Sydney.

Prediction: Australia by 2 points

Teams

Australia
15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Israel Folau, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Christian Leali'ifano, 11 Joseph Tomane, 10 James O'Connor, 9 Will Genia, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Benjamin Mowen, 5 James Horwill, Capt. 4 Kane Douglas, 3 Benjamin Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements
16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 James Slipper, 18 Sekope Kepu, 19 Robert Simmons,
20 Liam Gill, 21 Nicholas Phipps, 22 Robert Horne, 23 Jesse Mogg.
Head Coach: Robbie Deans
If Mogg comes off the bench it will be his test debut. 

British and Irish Lions
15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 George North, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Benjamin Youngs, 8 James Heaslip,
7 Samuel Warburton,Capt. 6 Daniel Lydiate, 5 Geoffrey Parling, 4 Alun Wyn Jones, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Thomas Youngs, 1 Makovina Vunipola.
Replacements
16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Ryan Grant, 18 Daniel Cole, 19 Thomas Croft, 20 Sean O'Brien, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Alexander Cuthbert.
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS v AUSTRALIA 1st Test. FEATURE MATCH

22.06.2013

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)

Preview
This is today’s feature match and for good reason. This is the long-awaited moment when these two evenly-matched sides clash.

The British and Irish lions team is the only team that plays a full tour schedule of provincial and test matches in this modern era. That type of schedule was once the rule. In my opinion it is a trend that should return. I’ll elaborate another time.

But for now it’s to preview this clash. On paper and in form the ‘Lions’ look the favourite. They lost to ACT Brumbies mid-week but apart from a little blip on the radar, the test side is a different looking outfit. The one concern is the loss of two front-line prop forwards earlier in the tour. The replacements, however, have risen to the standard required.

Australia is a term of uncertainties. Against Northern Hemisphere sides last November Australia struggled. Against a team that combines 5 of those sides the Australians could well flounder. They have players in untested positions, most noticeably James O’Connor at five-eight and rugby league convert Israel Folau on the wing.

Australia had a horror run of injuries last year. Back in the lineup is Will Genia, possibly the best halfback in the world and captain James Horwill. Both players provide leadership. There are also new players brought into test rugby inthe form of Leali’fano, Mowen and Douglas. The reserve bench looks healthy with the likes of Fainga’a, Slipper, Kepu, Simmons, McCabe and Beale. Coming off the bench requires players who can add freshness and a new dimension to a teams play later in the game. In this area Australia is strong.

The Lions look a complete all-round outfit. Nowhere can I spot a weakness. Their build up has been almost perfect. The only concern is that against provincial sides (Western Force and the Country XV apart) that have been below strength they have struggled to fully convince. Last Saturday’s win against the Waratah’s was their best performance and a timely one.

Finally the two Kiwi coaches will square off in a match that will sort out their pecking order. Could one of these one day lead a New Zealand side to a World Cup win? Remember that sentence!

Previous Encounters
2001.07.14 Australia 29-23 in Sydney
2001.07.07 Australia 35-14 in Melbourne
2001.06.30 Lions 29-13 in Brisbane
1989.07.15 Lions 19-18 in Sydney
1989.07.08 Lions 19-12 in Brisbane
1989.07.01 Australia 30-12 in Sydney

GWC and IRB Rankings do not apply

Prediction: British and Irish Lions by 12 points

TEAMS

Australia
15 Berrick Barnes, 14 Israel Folau, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Christian Leali'ifano, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 James O'Connor, 9 Will Genia, 8 Wycliff Palu,
7 Michael Hooper, 6 Benjamin Mowen, 5 James Horwill, Capt. 4 Kane Douglas,
3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements
16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 James Slipper, 18 Sekope Kepu, 19 Rob Simmons,
20 Liam Gill, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Pat McCabe, 23 Kurtley Beale.
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

British and Irish Lions
15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alexander Cuthbert, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 George North, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Michael Phillips, 8 James Heaslip, 7 Samuel Warburton, Capt.6 Thomas Croft, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Alun Wyn Jones, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Thomas Youngs, 1 Alexander Corbisiero.
Replacements
16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Makovina Vunipola, 18 Daniel Cole, 19 Geoffrey Parling, 20 Daniel Lydiate, 21 Benjamin Youngs, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Sean Maitland.
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS v BARBARIANS (UK) RFC

01.06.2013

Venue: Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong

Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

Preview
The much awaiting British and Irish Lions tour to Australia kicks off in Hong Kong with a non-test match against the UK Barbarians RFC.

Injuries and players still playing for domestic clubs in UK has forced Gatland to play some talent that might otherwise be regarded as the ‘B’ team. So the opportunities are there for fringe players to shine.

Prediction: Lions by 8 points

TEAMS

Barbarians
15 Jared Payne, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Elliot Daly, 12 Casey Laulala,
11 Taku Ngwenya, 10 Nicholas Evans, 9 Dimitri Yachvili, 8 Sergio Parisse,
7 Samuel Jones, 6 Samu Manoa, 5 Dean Mumm, 4 Marco Wentzel,
3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Paul James.
Replacements
16 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 17 Duncan Jones, 18 Jim Hamilton,
19 Imanol Harinordoquy, 20 Andrea Lo Cicero, 21 Kahn Fotuali'i,
22 James Hook, 23 Mike Tindall.
Head Coach:

British and Irish Lions
15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Alexander Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 James Roberts, 11 Sean Maitland, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Michael Phillips, 8 Tobias Faletau, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Daniel Lydiate, 5 Paul O'Connell, Capt. 4 Richard Gray, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Mako Vunipola.
Replacements
16 Thomas Youngs, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Matthew Stevens, 19 Alun Wyn Jones, 20 James Heaslip, 21 Conor Murray, 22 Johnny Sexton, 23 George North.
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: Saturday/Sunday 1-2 June

01.06.2013
Barbarians (UK) RFC v British and Irish Lions in Hong Kong (Non-test)
Fiji v Japan in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)
Poland v Sweden in Stockholm (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 1B)
Guyana v Trinidad Tobago in Port of Spain (NACRA Carib. Champ; South R2)Cayman Islands v Bermuda in Grand Cayman (NACRA Carib. Champ, North R2)

02.06.2013
England XV v CONSUR XV in Montevideo

Briefly
Welcome June. This is probably the biggest window of international test rugby on the calendar for 2013. It also coincides with one of my busiest times of the year as a school teacher. Therefor my coverage will not be full but hopefully I can concentrate on the keys matches.

This weekend sees the much awaited British and Irish Lions tour down under kick off with a game against the Barbarians in Hong Kong.

Another tour to begin is England in South America. Before the two tests against Argentina England, without it’s Lions of course, will play a CONSUR Select side in Montevideo.

Fiji and Japan clash in Lautoka as the Pacific Nations Cup continues whilst Poland and Sweden play one of the last games in Europe for the European Nations Cup and World Cup qualifying. The result doesn't matter as the playoff position have been decided.

Finally the last round matches for the 2103 NACRA Caribbean Championship will be played. The result of the Caymans v Bermuda game is of no significance as USA South has already snappled the North place. However the Guyana-Trinidad Tobago game will decide the South winner.

BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS SQUAD TO AUSTRALIA 2013

Fullbacks:  Leigh Halfpenny (Wales, Cardiff Blues), Stuart Hogg (Scotland, Glasgow Warriors), Rob Kearney (Ireland, Leinster)        

 

Wings: Tommy Bowe (Ireland, Ulster), Alex Cuthbert (Wales, Cardiff Blues), Sean Maitland (Scotland, Glasgow Warriors), George North (Wales, Scarlets)       

 

Centres: Jonathan Davies (Wales, Scarlets), Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland, Leinster), Jamie Roberts (Wales, Cardiff Blues), Manusamoa Tuilagi (England, Leicester Tigers)

 

Outside halves: Owen Farrell (England, Saracens), Jonathan Sexton (Ireland, Leinster)

 

Scrum halves: Conor Murray (Ireland, Munster), Mike Phillips (Wales, Bayonne), Ben Youngs (England, Leicester Tigers)

 

Props: Dan Cole (England, Leicester Tigers), Cian Healy (Ireland, Leinster), Gethin Jenkins (Wales, Toulon), Adam Jones (Wales, Ospreys), Matt Stevens (England, Saracens), Mako Vunipola (England, Saracens)

 

Hookers: Dylan Hartley (England, Northampton Saints), Richard Hibbard (Wales, Ospreys), Tom Youngs (England, Leicester Tigers)

 

Second rows: Ian Evans (Wales, Ospreys), Richie Gray (Scotland, Sale Sharks), Alun Wyn Jones (Wales, Ospreys), Paul O'Connell (Ireland, Munster), Geoff Parling (England, Leicester Tigers)

 

Back rows: Tom Croft (England, Leicester Tigers), Toby Faletau (Wales, Newport Gwent Dragons), Jamie Heaslip (Ireland, Leinster), Dan Lydiate (Wales, Newport Gwent Dragons), Sean O'Brien (Ireland, Leinster), Justin Tipuric (Wales, Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Wales, Cardiff Blues)

 

http://www.rugby.com.au/News/NewsArticle/tabid/1699/ArticleID/9004/Default.aspx

British & Irish Lions Schedule

June 1: Barbarians vs British & Irish Lions in Hong Kong

June 5: Western Force vs British & Irish Lions in Perth

June 8: Queensland Reds vs British & Irish Lions in Brisbane

June 11: NSW-Queensland Country vs British & Irish Lions in Newcastle

June 15: NSW Waratahs vs British & Irish Lions in Sydney

June 18: ACT Brumbies vs British & Irish Lions in Canberra

June 22: Australia vs British & Irish Lions (1^st test) in Brisbane

June 25: Melbourne Rebels vs British & Irish Lions in Melbourne

June 29: Australia vs British & Irish Lions (2^nd test) in Melbourne

July 6: Australia vs British & Irish Lions(3^rd test) in Sydney

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: December 1

01.12.2012
England 38, New Zealand 21 at Twickenham
Australia 14, Wales 12 in Cardiff

‘England looked a lot more like the All Blacks than New Zealand did. They were smart, they were committed and they were creative. And on top of that they were relentlessly physical. They won because they deserved it - ran the All Blacks off their feet in the end after blasting them off in the first half. New Zealand didn't have a lot of answers - it's been a long season for sure but they were in London to win and didn't stand a chance, not because of fatigue but because they weren't allowed to play the game they wanted.’
Gregor Paul, NZ Herald
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10851411

That seems to sum up a bad day at the office for the All Blacks. Outplayed-simple as that. Congratulations England.

Australia snatched a last minute try to hand Wales yet another defeat. Wales played something closer to their previous form which saw them clinch the 2012 6 Nations Championship. Still, its another Welsh loss.

The next major tournament is the 6 Nations Championship for 2013. I’d still place France as favourite after the November rugby test matches and now England would have to be up there in the reckoning. The other interesting factor is going to be the make-up of the British and Irish Lions team that will tour Australia next northern summer.

Test Match Rugby This Weekend, 20-21 June

20.06.2009
British and Irish Lions v South Africa in Durban (1st test)
New Zealand v France in Wellington (2nd test)
Australia v Italy in Melbourne (2nd test)
England Saxons v Ireland 'A' in Denver (Churchill Cup Final) Non-test
Argentina 'A' v Canada in Denver (Churchill Cup, Playoff 3rd-4th)
United States v Georgia in Denver (Churchill Cup, Playoff 5th-6th)

21.06.2009
Italy 'A' v Romania in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
Russia v Uruguay in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
France 'A' v Scotland 'A' in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup) Non-test

British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa 2

Squad of 35 Players after Round 1 of 6 Nations

I have made a few changes to my squad. Make your selections on this blog.

Fullbacks
Lee Byrne (Wales)
Geordan Murphy (Ireland)
Wingers
Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Rob Kearney (Ireland)
Chris Patterson (Scotland)
Shane Williams (Wales)
Centres
Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Luke Fitzgerald (Ireland)
Jamie Roberts (Wales)
Thomas Shanklin (Wales)
Gordon D'Arcy (Ireland)
Flyhalves
Stephan Jones (Wales)
Ronan O'Gara (Ireland)
Scrum Halves
Mike Blair (Scotland)
Mike Phillips (Wales)
Danny Care (England)
Number 8
Andy Powell (Wales)
Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)
Loose Forwards
David Wallace (Ireland)
John Barclay (Scotland)
Martyn Williams (Wales)
Stephan Ferris (Ireland)
Ryan Jones (Wales-Captain)
Dafydd Jones (Wales)
Lock Forwards
Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Nathan Hines (Scotland)
Alan Wyn Jones (Wales)
Steve Borthwick (England)
Props
Phil Vickery (England)
Euan Murray (Scotland)
Andrew Sheridan (England)
Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
Adam Jones (Wales)
Hookers
Ross Ford (Scotland)
Rory Best (Ireland)
Mathew Rees (Wales)

Some of my selections are off the scene with injuries. With one round gone these players will need to play soon and show form to stay on my list.
Chris Patterson, Danny Care, Nathan Hines and Euan Murray.
My team now has four Jones' and less English players.

British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour to South Africa

Quick, quick...we must do this quickly!!

Quickly pick your 35 players ( the experts are saying the party will number about this) who you think, at this stage, just before the 6 Nations kicks off, will make the tour. We can each review the team at the conclusion of each round. Your final selection can be made in a period from 22 March up until the day before the final selection is made (Date to be confirmed). I'll organise a prize for the contributor who gets either all 35 players correct or the closest.

Don't forget to include your captain. You can also vary the number of players for each position. It's up to you

So to get you going, here are my 35 players selected prior to 6 Nations Round 1.

Fullbacks
Lee Byrne (Wales)
Geordan Murphy (Ireland)
Wingers
Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Rob Kearney (Ireland)
Chris Patterson (Scotland)
Shane Williams (Wales)
Centres
Tommy Bowe (Ireland)
Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Luke Fitzgerald (Ireland)
Jamie Roberts (Wales)
Tom Shanklin (Wales)
Fly Halves
Stephen Jones (Wales)
Ronan O'Gara (Ireland)
Scrum Halves
Mike Blair (Scotland)
Mike Phillips (Wales)
Danny Care (England)
Number Eights
Ryan Jones (Wales) (Captain)
Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)
Loose Forwards
David Wallace (Ireland)
John Barclay (Scotland)
Martyn Williams (Wales)
Stephen Ferris (Ireland)
Thomas Croft (England)
Lock Forwards
Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Nathan Hines (Scotland)
Alan Wyn Jones (Wales)
Steve Borthwick (England)
Prop Forwards
Phil Vickery (England)
Euan Murray (Scotland)
Andrew Sheridan (England)
Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
Julian White (England)
Hookers
Lee Mears (England)
Ross Ford (Scotland)
Rory Best (Ireland)

I'm looking forwards to viewing your selections. Come on, less than 12 hours or so before the kick off!!

International Rugby: England v Pacific Islands

08.11.2008
England v Pacific Islands at Twickenham

Review
The Pacific Island team is made up of international rugby players from the three main Pacific rugby nations; Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. The concept is based upon the British and Irish Lions who tour every four years. The Islanders are all professionals based either in Europe or Japan. That should make them three times stronger than any of the original nations. But the reality is that in the past the Pacific Island team has not, for whatever reason, performed as well as expected. Again, very much like the Lions, on potential the Islanders should be world beaters, but on the paddock rarely so.

Having said that the Island team is full of experience. Most will be familiar with whatever the weather holds for Twickenham and you can be sure the tackles will be hard and England will be a sore bunch of lads at the end of the game. If the Islanders can add to the pressure their tackling can have on the opposition and score points then there is their strength. Up front they will struggle against the England pack.

Its a new look England team. There are four new caps in the starting line up with another waiting on the bench. Under new management, England is a blend of experience and new players. Some the inexperienced are certainly not youthful as England manager Martin Johnson has caste the net to include a few new foreign players. It's all part of the plan to get the England team back to World Cup 2003 standard. He has three years in which to do this.

It should be a close game.

Previous Encounters. This is the first time these two teams have met.

GWC Rugby Rankings-Does not apply

Prediction. Anything could happen. If England keep cool under pressure they should win by 5 points.

Teams

Pacific Islands
15. Kameli Ratuvou (Saracens, Fiji) Age 25, 16 tests (Fiji), 3 (PIR)
14. Sailosi Tagicakibau (London Irish, Samoa) 25, 12, 1
13. Seru Rabeni (Leicester, Fiji) 29, 26, 6
12. Seilala Mapusua (London Irish, Samoa) 26, 6, 4
11. Vilimoni Delasau (Clermont Auvergne, Fiji) 31, 28, 0
10. Pierre Hola ( Kobe Japan, Tonga) 30, 34, 0
9. Mosese Raulini (Saracens, Fiji) 32, 42, 6
8. Finau Maka (Stade Toulousain, Tonga) 30, 4, 0
7. Nili Latu (NEC Japan, Tonga) 26, 17, 3
6. Semisi Naevo (NEC Japan, Fiji) 32, 9, 0
5. Kele Leawere (Hino Motors Japan, Fiji) 34, 23, 0
4. Filipo Levi (Ricoh Japan, Samoa) 28, 8, 2
3. Census Johnston (Saracens, Samoa) 27, 17, 1
2. Aleki Lutui (Worcester, Tonga) 29, 23, 6
1. Justin Va’a (Glasgow, Samoa) 29, 13, 3
Replacements
16. Sunia Koto (London Welsh, Fiji) 28, 22, 0
17. Kisi Pulu (Perpignan, Tonga) 29, 20, 0
18. Hale T Pole (Ospreys, Tonga) 29, 10, 2
19. George Stowers (Kobe Japan, Samoa) 29, 5, 0
20. Sililo Martens (Llanelli Scarlets, Tonga) 31, 27, 0
21. Seremaia Bai (Clermont Auvergne, Fiji) 29, 26, 5
22. Epi Taione (Harlequins, Tonga) 29, 17, 3
Coach: Quiddus Fielea
http://pacificislanders.co.nz/

Martens last played for Tonga v Canada at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. A number of the players have not been available for the Pacific Nations during 2008. Raulini, Taione and Levi were not named in the original squad.

England
15 Delon Armitage (London Irish) Age 24, New Cap
14 Paul Sackey (London Wasps) 29, 15
13 James Noon (Newcastle Falcons) 29, 33
12 Riki Flutey (London Wasps) 28, New Cap
11 Ugo Monye (Harlequins) 25, New Cap
10 Daniel Cipriani (London Wasps) 21, 3
9 Daniel Care (Harlequins) 21, 2
8 Nicholas Easter (Harlequins) 33, 16
7 Thomas Rees (London Wasps) 24, 11
6 Thomas Croft (Leicester Tigers) 22, 4
5 Nicholas Kennedy (London Irish) 27, New Cap
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt. (Bath Rugby) 28, 40
3 Matthew Stevens (Bath Rugby) 26, 28
2 Lee Mears (Bath Rugby) 29, 24
1 Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks) 29, 25
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) 22, New Cap
17 Phillip Vickery (London Wasps) 32, 64
18 Thomas Palmer (London Wasps) 29, 10
19 James Haskell (London Wasps) 23, 8
20 Michael Lipman (Bath Rugby) 25, 7
21 Harold Ellis (Leicester Tigers) 26, 18
22 Tobias Flood (Newcastle Falcons) 22, 18
Coach: Martin Johnson

New Zealand born Flutey is a former Junior All Black, New Zealand Maori and Wellington Hurricanes Super 14 player who has gained selection after qualifying on residency. Hartley is another born in New Zealand and represented Bay of Plenty at U18’s.
Not considered due to injury-Nik Abendanon, Mathew Tait, George Chuter, Luke Narraway

You can see the full lists of international rugby tests for both the Pacific Islands, the Pacific Nations of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, as well as England at http://www.rugbyinternational.net/