WORLD CUP QUALIFYING: Oceania Finals Day

13.07.2013
Solomon Islands 23, Tahiti 22 in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Cook Islands 39, Papua New Guinea 31 in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)

Briefly
The Cook Islands are now the new holders of the Oceania Cup and the team that will take on Fiji next year for a place at the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals. In the curtain raiser The Solomon Islands just edged out a vastly improved Tahiti for 3rd place. There is no relegation in the Cup.

WCQ OCEANIA: Oceania Cup

13.07.2013
Solomon Islands v Tahiti in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Cook Islands v Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)

Briefly
Today is crunch day for the Oceania nations and in particular Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands. The winner will face Fiji next year to find the Oceania place at the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals.

The Cooks have a slight advantage I feel. They have some hardened New Zealand-based players whilst PNG has struggled with a very young and inexperienced lineup so far.

Prediction
Cook Islands to win by 10 points

In the earlier game Tahiti and Solomon Islands should  slug out a very close game. Both sides have shown they are no pushover. I’ve been impressed with Tahiti and predict them to win-just.

Tahiti by 3 points

OCEANIA CUP DAY 2

09.07.2013
Cook Islands 39, Solomon Islands 12 in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea 39, Tahiti 32 in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)

Briefly
Cook Islands will play Papua New Guinea in what will be the final. Papua New Guinea struggled against Tahiti and will find the Cook Islands more than a handful on Saturday.

Final Day Fixtures
13.07.2013
Solomon Islands v Tahiti in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Cook Islands v Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)

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.

OCEANIA CUP 2013

06.07.2013
Cook Islands v Tahiti in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea v Solomon Islands in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania; Oceania Cup)

Venue: Port Moresby

Preview
A daunting task awaits the winner of this tournament-Fiji. Samoa and Tonga were automatic qualifiers for the 2015 Rugby World Cup Finals following the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Fiji failed to qualify so as the No.3 Oceania team they will play the winner of this tournament for a finals place. The losing team will be eliminated as there is no repechage place for them.

“It is hot” was the first comment by players and officials of the Cook Islands rugby team on arrival in Port Moresby yesterday. Coach Barry George said the heat will be something his team have to put up with when they take on Tahiti in the first game on Saturday at the Lloyd Robson oval in Port Moresby. “The team assembled in Auckland on Sunday and we have the next three days to acclimatise to the Port Moresby weather,” George said. He said of the 26 players, seven are from Australia where they play in premier competitions and four from New Zealand who play in the Provincial Cup competition. Nineteen will be making their debuts for Cook Islands in this tournament.
Captain Stan Wright who plays in France said despite the boys not playing together, they have all fitted well. “We had our first training session together on Tuesday night in Auckland and they are all well conditioned and got on with each other well,” Wright said. He said they are looking forward to giving their best and win the Cup from PNG. Meanwhile Sports and Pacific Games Minister Justin Tkatchenko urged the players at a welcome functions at the 14 mile Adventure Park to play in the true spirit of sportsmanship over the next 10 days.
“Play hard and play the Pacific way and display some rugby our people including Solomon Islanders, Cook Islanders and Tahitians living in Port Moresby can come and enjoy,” the Minister said. He added the Oceania Cup was supported by the National Government as a national event and places rugby high up with rugby league. “The facilities at PRL may not be good now but when you return for the 2015 Pacific Games, it will be of world class,” Tkatchenko said. He said the PRL was acquired by the national government last week and more than K150 million will be spent to upgrade its facilities.
PNGRFU president Richard Sapias also welcomed the teams and thanked the National government for their support and major sponsors Monier. “This is an important tournament as the winner plays Fiji in a world cup qualifier next year so play tour best and in the true spirit of sportsmanship,” Sapias said.
The Oceania Cup kicks off on Saturday at the Lloyd Robson oval when Tahiti meet Cook Islands at 1pm followed by the Monier PNG Pukpuks up against the Solomon Islands Hunters.’

postcourier.com.pg/20130704/sport.htm

Game 1: Cook Islands v Tahiti

 

Tahiti last took part in the 2007 Oceania Cup so return after a gap of 6 years! Tahiti Nui had two training games before departure for Oceania 2013 :
Tahiti Nui v RC Paita (Nex Caledonia) : 18 - 14
Tahiti Nui v Barbarians Manu Ura (Tahiti) : 38 - 3
Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4322&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=30 and all following information has come from that site.

‘A Tahiti player named in the article Clyde Mauahiti is based with St Nazaire in Fédérale 1.’http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4322&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=741fb90f1d4fe887756cdc97a90bdc64&start=30

Cook Islands Squad
Chay Raui (Ponsonby-fullback), Nathan Robinson (South Canterbury Heartland-fullback), Ioane Ioane (Hastings-wing), Junior Napara (Manukau-wing), James Iopu-Johnston (Parramatta-wing/half , James Raea (Auckland Uni-centre), Louis Makuare (Brisbane-centre), Leon Elia (South Brisbane-1st/2nd), Greg Mullany (East Brisbane-2nd), Sam Vaevae (Pakuranga-1st), Charles Teraitua (Manukau-halfback), Andrew Putairi (Papatoetoe -halfback), Francis Smith (Tasman ITM-No.8/hooker, Rima Elikana (Auckland-No. 8/lock), Kyle Cowan (Brisbane-flanker), Nick Connell (Karaka CT-flanker), Brooke Cowan (Brisbane-flanker), Iro Teariki (Manukau-lock), Viliami Raea (Hawks Newcastle-lock), Mark Ioane (Hastings-No. 8/lock), Alex Matapo (Auckland-prop), Anam Mana (Manukau-prop), Mathew Mullany (Wellington-hooker), Joseph Marsters (Rotoiti BOP- hooker), Stan Wright (Stade France-prop), Jacob Marsters (Rotoiti BOP-prop).

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4322&start=30

Cook Island team schedule and management

Trial in Auckland on June, 3rd to select 26 players for Oceania Cup (from July, 2nd to July, 13th).
Training camp in Brisbane from June, 28th to July, 1st
Head Coach : Barry George, Assistant Coach : Greg Aldous, Team Manager : Cam Kilgour
http://www.sportsground.co.nz/psci

Previous Encounters
30.07.2007 Cook Islands 47-22 in Papeete (WCQ Oceania Rnd 1B)
30.08.2003 Cook Islands 56-18 in Auckland (Oceania Cup, East Zone)
02.06.2001 Cook Islands 86-0 in Rarotonga (WCQ Oceania, Group 1A)
20.02.1997 Cook Islands 40-0 in Papeete (WCQ Pacific, Round A)

These two teams also met twice in 1982, each side winning a game.

Historically the Cook Islands has been a much stronger side. I can’t see that changing when you look at the competition their players are in in Australia and New Zealand. Without knowing the composition of the Tahitian side I’d predict a handsome win by Cook Islands.

Prediction: Cook Islands by 60 points

Game 2: Papua New Guinea v Solomon Islands
 

Preview
On their home ground it is difficult to see PNG been defeated. They do have a younger squad with only a handful players selected from the 2011 side.

Teams

PNG possible line up.

Keto Neheja (loose-head prop), Kapua Kapua (hooker), Ryan Sambath (tight-head prop), William Maniot, Miai (locks), Geti Raka, Butler Morris (flankers), Gabriel Biyama (No. 8 ), Liebert Suang (half-back), Jonah Kautu Jnr (five-eighth), Jackson Pato (second five), Morea Pease (centre), Hubert Tseraha, Henry Liliket (wings), Tisa Kautu (fullback).
http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/52277

Solomon Islands Squad not available

These two teams have meet previously on three occasions.
01.12.2011 Papua New Guinea 33-15 in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
12.12.2007 Papua New Guinea 49-6 in Port Vila (Oceania Cup, East Zone)
13.08.2005 Papua New Guinea 45-7 in Honiara (WCQ Oceania, Round 1A)

Prediction: PNG by 40 points.

2013 Oceania Cup and World Cup Qualifiers

To be held in Papua New Guinea

   
Participating teams PNG, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Solomon Islands
All games to be played at the Rugby League Grounds, Port Moresby

Schedule
6 July: Cook Islands v Tahiti; PNG v Solomon Islands
9 July: Solomon Islands v Cook Islands; Tahiti v PNG
13 July: Solomon Islands v Tahiti; PNG v Cook Islands
The winner is due to face Fiji in a playoff for the Oceania 1 qualifying spot.
New Zealand, Australia, Tonga and Samoa have already qualified.

http://www.oceaniarugby.com/tournaments/oceania_cup/2013/2013_oceania_cup_fixtures_and_results.html

Very disappointing that previously regulars Nui and Vanuatu are not participating.

For the lists of all test matches played by the above teams go to www.rugbyinternational.net

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY RESULTS: 3 December

03.12.2011
Australia 24, Wales 18 in Cardiff
Solomon Islands 48, Vanuatu 20 in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea 36. Niue 7 in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

Briefly
Australia crashed Wales’ Shane Williams party by winning their test match 24-18 in front of a sell-out crowd. Shane Williams had the last say, scoring his 58th test try in the final play of the match.

Papua New Guinea retain the Oceania Cup. defeating Niue 36-7 in the final match. Solomon Islands finished off a very successful tournament with a 48-20 win over Vanuatu.

The future of Oceania rugby looks bright. These tournaments really need to have a future focus. The winners need more reward than just bragging rights. The results perhaps could go towards a Rugby World Cup qualifying  tournament.

OCEANIA CUP RUGBY: Final Round

03.12.2011
Papua New Guinea v Niue in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
Vanuatu v Solomon Islands in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

Previews
Host nation PNG have dominated this tournament so far. Solomon Islands have been the dark horse to date, upsetting Niue in the first match and then pushing the hosts on day 2.

An unusual feature of these games has been the number of unconverted tries. On Day 2, only 1 of the 14 tries scored was converted.

Sadly not all of Oceania’s members fronted up to this tournament. Notable non attendees were Cook Islands, New Caledonia and Tahiti.

Excellent reviews can be found here
Day 1 http://www.oceaniarugby.com/111129_oceania_cup_png_and_solomon_islands_take_e.html/ref/267

Day 2
http://www.oceaniarugby.com/111201_oceania_cup_png_and_niue_win_round_2.html/ref/267

Onto todays games

Vanuatu v Solomon Islands in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

 

Previous Encounters
08.12.2007 Vanuatu 18-5 in Port Vila (FORU Oceania East)
29.07.2005 Solomon Islands 20-12 in Port Vila (WCQ Oceania R1, Pool A)
16.06.2001 Solomon Islands 11-3 in Honiara (WCQ Oceania 1B)

This Tournament
Vanuatu
v Papua New Guinea L 3-78
v Niue L 13-32

Solomon Islands
v Niue W 22-19
v Papua New Guinea L 15-33

GWC Rugby Rankings
Do not apply as neither teams played a test match in 2010

IRB Ranking Points
Solomon Islands 39.06, Vanuatu 34.77

Prediction
Solomon Islands by 40 points

Papua New Guinea v Niue in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

 

Previous Encounter
22.04.2008 PNG 46-27 in Paliati (FORU Oceania Cup Final)

This Tournament
Papua New Guinea
v Vanuatu W 78-3
v Solomon Islands W 33-15

Niue
v Solomon Islands L 19-22
v Vanuatu W 32-13

GWC Rugby Rankings
Do not apply. Only PNG is ranked

IRB Ranking Points
PNG 46.19, Niue 41.14

Prediction: PNG by 38 points

OCEANIA CUP RUGBY: Day 1 29 November

29.11.2011
Solomon Islands 22, Niue 19 in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea 78, Vanuatu 3 in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

Briefly
Solomon Islands caused a minor surprise when they defeated Niue on the first day of the 2011 Oceania Cup. Papua New Guinea ran away with the main game, a 78-3 win over Vanuatu.

Day 2 continues Thursday
01.12.2011
Vanuatu v Niue in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea v Solomon Islands in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

The tournament concludes Saturday
03.12.2011
Vanuatu v Solomon Islands in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea v Niue in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

The Oceania Cup is run by the IRB’s regional body for the area, FORU.

Rugby Test Fixtures: This Weekend 27 June

27.06.2009
British and Irish Lions v South Africa in Pretoria (2nd test)
New Zealand v Italy in Christchurch
Australia v France in Sydney
Tonga v Japan in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)
Samoa v Fiji in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)
Tunisia v Uganda in Tunis (WCQ Africa R2 SF; Africa Cup SF)
Namibia v Ivory Coast in Windhoek (WCQ Afr.R2 SF: Africa Cup SF)
Papua New Guinea v Vanuatu in Port Moresby (WCQ & Oceania Cup SF 1)
Cook Islands v Niue in Pukekohe, NZ (WCQ & Oceania Cup SF 2)

Preview Briefs
There is another huge weekend of international rugby ahead of us.

The British and Irish lions must win the second test against South Africa to keep the series alive and their hopes of another series win. New Zealand has a totally revamped side to face the Italians whilst Australia will field its strongest side yet against the French.

The Pacific Nations Cup looks like a dead certainty for the Junior All Blacks. The rest of the games are of some interest especially when the home side Fiji takes the field against their old foes Samoa.

World Cup qualifying games continue in Africa and begin in Oceania. Uganda has an uphill struggle away against the Tunisians whilst the Ivory Coast have every chance of pushing the Namibians out of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The first round of the Oceania section of World Cup qualifiers begins this weekend. The Cook Islanders will be out to avenge their shock loss to Niue last year, whilst Papua New Guinea will be looking to take the honours at home against Vanuatu.

2008 A Year of Rugby; Part 3

Oceania

Travel! For the lower nations on this table this has been a major factor in their international rugby arrangements for 2008, especially at the senior level.

Oceania is governed by FORU, The Federation of Oceania Rugby Unions. There are fourteen rugby unions affiliated to this federation. The minor unions are divided into two zones, East and West. These zones will be involved in the 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying process in 2009, the winner playing Samoa for a place in the Cup Finals.

Each zone holds a round robin tournament at one venue with the winners squaring off for a single winner-takes-all title. There is no promotion-relegation into the Pacific Nations Cup, which involves Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.

In 2008 the Eastern Zone tournament was to be held in Rarotonga, whilst the West was to be in Noumea. It was expected that American Samoa would enter for the first time. But it all turned out to be a bit of a fizzer.

Firstly, Papua and New Guinea and Solomon Islands pulled out of the Western Zone, to be held in Noumea, at the last minute due to travel difficulties. PNG had warmed up with a 5-41 loss to Fiji 'A' in the curtain raiser to the Fiji v Samoa game at Lautoka, June 7. Wallis and Futuna also withdrew. That just left Vanuatu and New Caledonia, with the home side winning 29-20.

The Eastern Zone fared no better. Tahiti pulled out as did American Samoa leaving just the Cook Islands and Niue to play in Rarotonga. The Cook's decided only to play home-based players and lost 7-18, a mistake I'm sure they will not make in next years World Cup qualifiers.

The final in Noumea saw Niue easily win 27-5 to take the Oceania Cup for 2008.

Neither Tahiti nor Solomon Islands played international rugby in 2008 so they both drop off the table. The lower rankings look like this.

10th-Vanuatu
9th - New Caledonia
8th-Papua New Guinea
7th - Cook Islands
6th-Niue

Samoa, Tonga and Fiji played in the Pacific Nations Cup, along with Japan, Australia 'A' and New Zealand Maori.

5th-Fiji
The Fijians were unable to improve on their 5th placing in 2007. Traditionally the leading Pacific island nation over the years they have slipped against their close neighbours. An early win over Samoa was countered by an away loss to Tonga in the last fixture of the tournament, sealing Fiji's 5th ranking.

4th-Tonga
The Tongans slipped from 3rd in 2007, losing to Samoa early in the tournament but upsetting the Fijians at home to prevent a slip further to 5th place. Generally the Tongans were unable to maintain their magnificent efforts at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

3rd-Samoa
Although losing to Fiji early in the tournament, the Samoans came back strongly with a youthful side to defeat Tonga at the right time and secure 3rd place. The gap from 3rd to 2nd to the top nations was emphasised with the Samoans' 14-101 loss to New Zealand in New Plymouth

New Zealand and Australia again hold the top two positions. It is difficult to see any other Oceania nations coming anywhere near these two.

2nd-Australia
For the fourth year in a row the Aussies play second fiddle to the Kiwis who had a magnificent season, except for a slight wobble in the middle of the Tri Nations. New Zealand and Australia played four times for the Bledisloe Cup. New Zealand dropped the first encounter in Sydney, but then took out the next three, including an historic meeting in Hong Kong, to keep their top position in Oceania.

1st-New Zealand.

Part 4 will see a review of North American rugby

For a complete list of all 2008 GWC Rugby Rankings, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/