Pacific Islanders rugby union team
 | ||
| Union | Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance Fiji Rugby Union Samoa Rugby Football Union Tonga Rugby Football Union | |
|---|---|---|
| Coach(es) |  Quddus Fielea (2008) | |
| Captain(s) |  Moses Rauluni (2008) | |
| ||
| First match | ||
| Queensland Reds 29 - 48 Pacific Islanders (20 June 2004) | ||
| Largest win | ||
| NSW Waratahs 21 - 68 Pacific Islanders (25 June 2004) | ||
| Largest defeat | ||
| Ireland 61 - 17 Pacific Islanders (26 November 2006) | ||
The Pacific Islanders is a combined international rugby union team that played from 2004 to 2008. It represented Fiji, Samoa and Tonga; Niue and the Cook Islands also supplied players to the squad for the Pacific Islanders' tour in 2004, despite not being members of the Pacific Tri-Nations competition. The team does not play at Rugby World Cups, where each of the nations represents itself.
History
Australia/New Zealand 2004
The Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance (PIRA) was formed in 2003. The coach is appointed by the Islanders board and in turn supported by the national coaches of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. Its team, the Pacific Islanders, is drawn from the best Fijian, Tongan and Samoan players, and created far more interest on their inaugural 2004 tour than any of the three nations could have hoped to individually. Despite losing every game, 29-14 v Australia, 41-26 v New Zealand and 38-24 v South Africa, they were impressive in all three Tests and played full-strength teams, something that rarely happens when major nations play Tonga, Fiji or Samoa. The Islanders did, however, beat a Queensland XV 48-29 at Ballymore and NSW Waratahs 68-21 at Australia Stadium.
Celtic Nations 2006
As the individual nations were primarily concerned with qualifying for the next World Cup the Islanders did not tour again until 2006. Scheduled matches against Italy and New Zealand in June 2006 did not take place, but they undertook a Northern Hemisphere tour in late 2006 with matches against Scotland, Wales and Ireland. PIRA had ruled in July 2006 that the team selected for that year's tour to Great Britain and Ireland would consist only of players who had previously played for Fiji, Manu Samoa or Tonga. This was intended to ensure that the Pacific Islanders team serves to develop players for the island nations only. Notably, two players on the 2004 tour, Sione Lauaki and Sitiveni Sivivatu (the latter the Islanders' leading scorer on that tour), went on to play for the All Blacks.[1] During that tour, they were the last opponents of Ireland at their traditional home of Lansdowne Road before its redevelopment into a modern all-seater stadium. The Pacific Islanders were beaten in all three matches.
Europe 2008
In November 2008, the team toured Europe and played Tests against England, France and Italy. The team's manager was Major-General Sitiveni Rabuka, former Prime Minister of Fiji and author of two military coups in 1987.[2] Though it began with two defeats, the tour ended with the Islanders' first ever win over European opposition, with a 25-17 victory in Italy.[3]
Alliance ends in 2009
In July 2009, the Samoa Rugby Union informed fellow Alliance members Fiji and Tonga that it had decided to quit the alliance because the merged Pacific Island team had failed to produce financial benefits sought by member unions.[4]
The original concept was basically to provide an opportunity (to play) every two years. There were two aims, to get revenue to help in the running of the activities of the unions (and) to provide players with the opportunity to play against tier one sides. But the International Rugby Board changed the schedule for the Pacific Islands team to play every four years. Every four years won't generate the revenue needed to run our rugby.
— Peter Schuster, SRU Chairman, 2009[4]
Future status
 | This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. (December 2007) |
There was much speculation about what role the Islanders would play in international rugby. Many hoped that they would be admitted into an expanded Super 12 competition or perhaps the Tri Nations. These hopes were dashed when the organisers of the Super 12 and the Tri Nations, SANZAR, opted to expand the Super 14 by adding one team each in Australia and South Africa and add an extra round of fixtures to the Tri Nations without adding any new teams. French businessman Eric Series, owner of the Asia Pacific Dragons combined team, proposed a Pacific Islands team for the 2016 Super Rugby season but was outbidded by the Japan Rugby Football Union.
In 2014, a match between the Pacific Islanders and the British and Irish Lions was proposed in 2014 for the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.[5][6]
Squad
Note: Flags indicate national union affiliation of the registered club.
- Two further players were originally included in the squad Sireli Bobo and Soane Tonga'uiha. However Bobo became unavailable, and Tonga'uiha later withdrew from the tour.
Results
2004
| 20 June 2004 |
Queensland XV  | 29 – 48 |  Pacific Islanders |
| Tries: Junior Pelesasa (2), Peter Hynes, Mafi Kefu Con: Marshall Milroy (3) Pen: Marshall Milroy | Tries: Sitiveni Sivivatu (3), Seremaia Bai, Sireli Bobo, Lome Fa'atau, Norman Ligairi, Taufa'ao Filise Con: Seremaia Bai (4) |
| Ballymore, Brisbane Attendance: 3,000 Referee: George Ayoub  |
| 25 June 2004 |
New South Wales  | 21 – 68 | Pacific Islanders |
| Tries: Morgan Turinui, Tim McGann, Milton Thaiday Con: Matthew Burke (3) | Tries: Sitiveni Sivivatu (2), Taufa'ao Filise (2), Seilala Mapusua (2), Seremaia Bai, Sisa Koyamaibole, Soane Tonga'uiha, Lome Fa'atau Con: Seremaia Bai (9) |
| Aussie Stadium, Sydney Attendance: 8,005 Referee: Greg Hinton |
| 3 July 2004 |
| Australia | 29 – 14 | Pacific Islanders |
| Tries: Stirling Mortlock (2), Matt Giteau (2), Brendan Cannon Con: Joe Roff, Matthew Burke | Tries: Sione Lauaki, Sireli Bobo Con: Seremaia Bai (2) |
| Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Attendance: 19,266 Referee: André Watson  |
Australia: 15.Joe Roff, 14.Clyde Rathbone, 13.Stirling Mortlock, 12.Matt Giteau, 11.Lote Tuqiri, 10.Stephen Larkham, 9.George Gregan (capt), 8.David Lyons, 7.Phil Waugh, 6.Radike Samo, 5.Nathan Sharpe, 4.Justin Harrison, 3.Al Baxter, 2.Brendan Cannon, 1.Bill Young, - replacements: 16.Jeremy Paul, 17.Nic Henderson, 18.Dan Vickerman 
, 19.George Smith, 20.Chris Whitaker, 21.Matt Burke, 22.Chris Latham
Pacific Islanders: 15.Norman Ligairi, 14.Lome Fa'atau, 13.Seilala Mapusua, 12.Seremaia Baikeinuku, 11.Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10.Tanner Vili, 9.Moses Rauluni, 8.Alifereti Doviverata, 7.Sisa Koyamaibole, 6.Sione Lauaki, 5.Ifereimi Rawaqa, 4.Inoke Afeaki (capt), 3.Taufa'ao Filise, 2.'Aleki Lutui, 1.Soane Tonga'uiha, - replacements: 17.Tevita Taumoepeau, 18.Leo Lafaiali'i, 19.Semo Sititi, 20.Steve So'oialo, 21.Seru Rabeni, 22.Sireli Bobo - No entry: 16.Joeli Lotawa
| 10 July 2004 |
New Zealand  | 41 – 26 | Pacific Islanders |
| Tries: Joe Rokocoko (2), Justin Marshall, Rico Gear, Kees Meeuws, Tana Umaga Con: Daniel Carter (4) Pen: Daniel Carter | Tries: Sitiveni Sivivatu (2), Seru Rabeni, Sione Lauaki Con: Seremaia Bai (3) |
| North Harbour Stadium, Albany Attendance: 22,000 Referee: Stuart Dickinson |
New Zealand: 15.Mils Muliaina, 14.Rico Gear, 13.Tana Umaga (c), 12.Dan Carter, 11.Joe Rokocoko, 10.Carlos Spencer, 9.Justin Marshall, 8.Xavier Rush, 7.Marty Holah, 6.Jono Gibbes, 5.Keith Robinson, 4.Chris Jack, 3.Carl Hayman, 2.Keven Mealamu, 1.Kees Meeuws, - replacements: 18.Jerry Collins, 20.Byron Kelleher, 21.Nick Evans - No entry : 16.Andrew Hore, 17.Greg Somerville, 19.Mose Tuiali'i, 22.Sam Tuitupou
Pacific Islanders: 15.Seru Rabeni, 14.Lome Fa'atau, 13.Brian Lima, 12.Seremaia Baikeinuku, 11.Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10.Tanner Vili, 9.Moses Rauluni, 8.Sisa Koyamaibole, 7.Alifereti Doviverata, 6.Sione Lauaki, 5.Ifereimi Rawaqa, 4.Inoke Afeaki (capt.), 3.Taufa'ao Filise, 2.'Aleki Lutui, 1.Soane Tonga'uiha, - replacements: 17.Tevita Taumoepeau, 18.Filipo Levi, 19.Semo Sititi, 19.Semo Sititi, 21.Tane Tu'ipulotu, 22.Sireli Bobo - No entry: 16.Joeli Lotawa, 20.Steve So'oialo
| 17 July 2004 |
| South Africa | 38 – 24 | Pacific Islanders |
| Tries: Breyton Paulse (2), Jacques Cronjé, Jean de Villiers Con: Percy Montgomery (3) Pen: Percy Montgomery (4) | Tries: Sitiveni Sivivatu (2), Sione Lauaki, Sireli Bobo Con: Seru Rabeni (2) |
| Express Advocate Stadium, Gosford, Australia Attendance: 15,732 Referee: Scott Young |
South Africa: 15.Percy Montgomery, 14.Breyton Paulse, 13.Marius Joubert, 12.De Wet Barry, 11.Jean de Villiers, 10.Jaco van der Westhuyzen, 9.Bolla Conradie, 8.Jacques Cronje, 7.AJ Venter, 6.Schalk Burger, 5.Gerrie Britz, 4.Bakkies Botha, 3.Eddie Andrews, 2.John Smit (capt.), 1.Os du Randt, - replacements: 17.CJ van der Linde, 18.Quinton Davids, 19.Pedrie Wannenburg, 20.Fourie du Preez - No entry : 16.Danie Coetzee, 21.Brent Russell, 22.Gaffie du Toit
Pacific Islanders: 15.Norman Ligairi, 14.Sireli Bobo, 13.Seilala Mapusua, 12.Seru Rabeni, 11.Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10.Tanner Vili, 9.Moses Rauluni, 8.Sisa Koyamaibole, 7.Alifereti Doviverata, 6.Sione Lauaki, 5.Ifereimi Rawaqa, 4.Inoke Afeaki (capt.), 3.Tevita Taumoepeau, 2.'Aleki Lutui, 1.Soane Tonga'uiha, - replacements: 16.Joeli Lotawa, 17.Taufa'ao Filise, 18.Filipo Levi, 19.Tu Tamarua, 20.Steve So'oialo, 21.Seremaia Baikeinuku, 22.Brian Lima
2006
| 11 November 2006 |
Wales  | 38–20 | Pacific Islanders |
| Tries: Mark Jones, James Hook, Kevin Morgan, Lee Byrne, Ceri Sweeney Con: Ceri Sweeney (5) Pen: Ceri Sweeney | Tries: Justin Va'a, Seilala Mapusua, Kameli Ratuvou Con: Tusi Pisi Pen: Tusi Pisi |
| Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Attendance: 50,769 Referee: Wayne Barnes  |
| 18 November 2006 |
Scotland  | 34 – 22 | Pacific Islanders |
| Tries: Marcus Di Rollo, David Callam, Kelly Brown, Andy Henderson Con: Chris Paterson (4) Drop goal: Marcus Di Rollo Pen: Chris Paterson | Tries: Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Kameli Ratuvou 2, Daniel Leo Con: Pisi (1) |
| Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh Attendance: 19,055 Referee: Bryce Lawrence |
| 26 November 2006 |
Ireland  | 61 – 17 | Pacific Islanders |
| Tries:Denis Hickie, Paddy Wallace, Malcolm O'Kelly, Simon Easterby(2), Shane Horgan, Rory Best, Paul O'Connell Con: Paddy Wallace (6) Pen: Paddy Wallace (3) | Tries: Seru Rabeni, Lome Fa'atau, Tusi Pisi Con: Tusi Pisi (1) |
| Lansdowne Road, Dublin Attendance: 43,000 Referee: Christophe Berdos  |
2008
| 8 November 2008 |
| England | 39 – 13 | Pacific Islanders |
| Tries:Sackey (2), Cipriani, Kennedy, Mears Con: Cipriani (4) Pen: Cipriani (2) | (Report) | Try Rabeni Con: Hola Pen: Hola, Bai |
| Twickenham, London Attendance: 55,427 Referee: Matt Goddard |
| 15 November 2008 |
| France | 42 – 17 | Pacific Islanders |
| Tries:Tillous-Borde, Szarzewski, Heymans, Picamoles, Medard Con: Skrela (4) Pen: Skrela (3) | (Report) | Try:Taione Pen: Bai (4) |
| Stade Auguste Bonal, Montbéliard Attendance: 20,000 Referee: Nigel Owens |
| 22 November 2008 |
Italy  | 17 – 25 | Pacific Islanders |
| Tries: Ghiraldini 16' c Mauro Bergamasco 65' c Con: Marcato (2) Pen: Marcato 6' | (Report) | Tries: Delasau 3' c, 29' m Ratuvou 40' c Con: Bai (2) Pen: Bai 18', 42' |
| Stadio Giglio, Reggio Emilia Attendance: 13,595 Referee: Wayne Barnes |
See also
- Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance
- Fiji national rugby team
- Samoa national rugby team
- Tonga national rugby team
References
- ^ "Pacific Islanders' choice restricted", Planet-Rugby.com, 31 July 2006
- ^ Ackford, Paul (2008-10-18). "Pacific Islanders looking for a revolution as they prepare to tour Europe". Daily Telegraph. UK: Telegraph Media Group. Retrieved 2010-05-20.
- ^ "Pacific Islands record first-ever victory". ESPN. 22 November 2008. Retrieved 20 February 2013.
- ^ a b "Samoa quits Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance". Planet Rugby. 17 July 2009. Archived from the original on 17 July 2009.
{{cite web}}:|archive-date=/|archive-url=timestamp mismatch; 21 July 2009 suggested (help); Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ O'Driscoll wants Lions match in Pacific Islands - ESPN Scrum, 19 July 2014
- ^ Samoan star calls the Lions the ‘most stuck-up’ team in the world after Pacific Island snub - The 42, 21 July 2015
External links
- Pacific Islanders team supporters site
- Pacific Islander news on Teivovo.[dead link]
- Pat Lam: Coaching the United Nations. IRB (2006).[dead link]
Union websites