Pacific Nations Cup

Fiji has a slim chance of winning the PNC title while for Samoa, a win over the host will see them bag their third title only, ever since the tournament started in 2006.

Samoa last won the tournament in 2014 together with Japan when the conference was split into two, while Fiji took out the competition in 2018.

Reeling from their loss to Australia A, Vern Cotter and his men are really wanting to put on a good performance at home before they embark on their overseas tour.

Cotter says the time to do the talking is over as they are ready for the match.

Head coach Seilala Mapusua says they are closely monitoring these players and hoping they recover on time for their showdown against the Fijians.

A win for Samoa would see them secure the PNC title and remain unbeaten.

However, Mapusua says they are not focused on winning the title but being clinical during their training.

Numerous handling errors and general play issues contributed to Fiji’s loss – a side that was given a reality check by Australia A, who played basic structured rugby to disrupt the Fijian side who had made 11 changes.

The Aussies were a totally different side bringing the game to Fiji who were at times under pressure.

Fiji who had looked to back its big performance last week against Tonga got off to a perfect start drawing first blood through the boot of Teti Tela.

Coach Seilala Mapusua said the players are aware of the huge responsibility that rests upon their shoulders when they don the blue jersey.

“Every time they put on that jersey, they know they have a responsibility. And I’m sure they will be giving it everything because we have all the good players waiting on the wings to get an opportunity.”

Mapusua added they are aware of the tough competition they will be up against when they face the Aussies.

The 32 year old will lead the side in his 20th outing for Fiji and he’s excited about his partnership with young Fijian Drua star Kalaveti Ravouvou.

Nayacalevu said Ravouvou deserves his starting role and believes the rookie will bring something new.

”As you can see in the Drua what he can do, we’ve trained together through the weeks and things are going smoothly, hope to see some exciting things to happen this weekend”.

Another midfield veteran, Levani Botia, believes Ravouvou has a promising future in the number 12 jersey.

The tickets will be sold at the Fiji Sports Council in Suva. 

For the Platinum area, tickets are FJD$50 and FJD$10 for children under 12.

Tickets for the Gold area are FJD$35 and FJD$10 for children under 12.

Tickets for the concrete area are FJD$25 and FJD$5 for children under 12.

Grass sitting area will be FJD$10 per ticket and FJD$2 for children under 12. 

In the first game, Australia A takes on Samoa at 1pm (Fiji Time).

Hosts the Flying Fijians will meet Tonga at 3:30pm (Fiji Time).

Both games will be held at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.

Head Coach, Seilala Mapusua said the three players will be flying in from America.

“We still have other players arriving this week and we are trying to keep it simple as possible.”

“At the moment we have three players in the major rugby league final in USA.”

The players are Kalolo and Ed Fidow for New York and AJ Alatimu for Seattle.

Samoa will be taking on Australia A at the ANZ Stadium in Suva at 1pm (Fiji Time).

The 30-year-old is expecting a tough encounter in the upcoming games of the tournament.

“This will my first Pacific Nations Cup and I know it will be tough going up against the Australian side this Saturday. I know they will be fielding a lot of big names for the game, and even the Fiji side too and Tonga as well, but I am confident we are going to give our best during the games,” Ala’alatoa said.

The former Crusaders player said the tournament is also a good opportunity to catch up and play against his former teammate, Manasa Mata’ele of the Flying Fijians side.

With the objective of increasing the competitiveness of the international game, World Rugby has part-funded the franchises to provide an impactful environment and pathway that will ultimately benefit Fiji, Samoa and Tonga on the biggest stage – Rugby World Cup.

The selection of 43 players for the Pacific Nations Cup from Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua is an important step in that journey, providing each union with the benefit of access to a group of players performing in an environment geared towards achieving success at international level.

Union Chairman, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the two players selected from overseas under the newly established World Rugby regulation eight rule are Fritz Lee and Lolagi Visinia from the All Blacks.

The PNC tournament will commence on 2 July 2022.

The Union is confident of the selection and the players are ready for the PNC as well as the World Cup next year.

With the recruitment of overseas players, the Union is worried for the financial instability faced by the Union as there is not enough financial support.