Fiji

RNZ reports the World Series champions opened the scoring with a try to skipper Osea Kolinisau in the second minute of the match in wet conditions at the Deodoro Stadium.

Rieko Ioane was sent to the sin bin midway through the first half for what was deemed a dangerous spear tackle but the All Blacks Sevens still managed to find the tryline through Gilles Kaka and led 7-5 at the interval.

Fiji regained the lead with a try to Jerry Tuwai shortly after halftime and Osea Kolinisau converted to make it 12-7.

Sitiveni Rabuka's appointment was confirmed during Friday's annual party meeting in Suva.

Mr Rabuka led two coups in 1987 before becoming prime minister in 1992 and holding that role until losing the 1999 election.

He said his first action as leader was to give an official and traditional apology for the injuries of 1987.

RNZI reports the Flying Fijians came from behind to edge Tonga 23-18 in last week's Pacific Nations Cup opener, while the Manu drew 19-all against Georgia in Apia.

The top two teams in the PNC over the next two years will earn a spot in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Highlighting increasing horticultural regional collaboration, the workshop was attended by senior representatives from Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries of Tonga (Losaline Ma’asi), the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture (Shalendra Prasad), Pacific Community (SPC) (Dr. Siosiua Halavatau), UN-FAO (Tim Martyn), the University of the Sunshine Coast and The University of Queensland (Professor Steven Underhill), and SROS (Tilafono David Hunter and Tuimaseve Kuinimeri Finau-Asora).

RNZI reports three of those changes come up front, with 40-test veteran Sakaria Taulafo replacing Sam Aiono at loosehead prop.

Faifili Levave has been named to start on the blindside flank, with Alafoti Faosiliva shifting to number eight and Jeff Lepa dropping to the bench after making his test debut against Georgia.

RNZI reports Patrick Fa'apale and Merab Kviriashvili both kicked 14 points as Samoa captain David Lemi and Georgia flanker Giorgi Tkhilaishvili crossed for the only tries of a tight affair at Apia Park.

A late drop goal attempt from the Europeans went wide to ensure Namulauulu Alama Ieremia's coaching reign did not start on a losing note.

Hooker Motu Matu'u said they went into the match feeling confident and it was disappointing not to come away with the win.

He said the team was trying to play more expansively than Samoan teams of the past.

“Most of our overseas based-players arrived late last week obviously they didn’t feature in the Georgia game,” he said.

“Most of our new players played in that Georgia game and we have come prepared for Fiji. We are happy to have a full squad here now so it’s a key game for us and Fiji as well. We are excited to have these overseas based-players and we have had good preparations.”

The Samoans key focus is for a top two finish to book a berth at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

This coincides with the upcoming opening of its new 4 star Tanoa International Dateline Hotel in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga. 

Tanoa is a major hospitality player in the Pacific with 10 hotels in Fiji, Samoa, New Zealand and soon, Tonga. 

This makeover for Tanoa Hotels, which was founded over 50 years ago, is designed to bring the brand in line with their growing portfolio and position in the market.

In a letter to his Samoan counterpart, the Fijian Prime Minister Bainimarama expressed his desire to see Fiji and Samoa strengthen their bilateral relations especially in the face of common challenges faced amongst Pacific nations - in particular the existing threat of climate change impacts.

“The challenges the Pacific will face in coming years are pronounced and many. However, we can be encouraged with the endorsement of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and its consolidation, therefore, of the spirit of the Paris Agreement,” Bainimarama said.

Ryan made this remarks after reports suggested he had been left out of the squad for this weekend’s London Sevens.

After quitting NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers this week, the former NRL star announced his intention to qualify for the Olympics with the rugby sevens’ gold-medal favourites.

Reports stated that the crosscode star has missed out on the 12-man squad named by coach Ben Ryan. However Ryan, the former England coach, insisted that a decision has yet to be made.