Pacific Nations Cup

 

The IRB Pacific Nations Cup is an International round-robin competition comprising the test teams of Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Japan.  The Junior All Blacks - who in 2008 were replaced by the New Zealand Maori - and Australia A who participated in 2007 and 2008 have withdrawn from the competition.  

Like the Pacific Rugby Cup, the IRB Pacific Nations Cup is a key component of the IRB’s £48m million Strategic Investment initiative and is designed to provide the Pacific Island Nations and Japan with regular high level competition.

The tournament structure for the 2011 IRB Pacific Nations Cup has been condensed with the three rounds being played over two weeks with the opening match, Japan v Samoa, being played in Tokyo on 2 July and the remainder of the Tournament being played in Fiji between 2 and 13 July 2011.  The entire Tournament will be played within the IRB's Southern Hemisphere Window enabling Unions to secure the services of their overseas-based players in preparation for RWC 2011.

2006 Champions: Junior All Blacks
2007 Champions: Junior All Blacks
2008 Champions: New Zealand Maori
2009 Champions: Junior All Blacks
2010 Champions: Samoa

 

PRC- injury & fortune for the Fiji Warriors.

Nikola Matawalu scores. photo Zoomfiji

Nikola Matawalu scores. photo Zoomfiji

May 17, 2010 - 11:08am

The Fiji Warriors bolster their squad, in comes France-based rocket Ropate Ratu and on last years form he will add zing to their title chances.

 

The Warriors have been dealt 2 injuries to Nadroga’s Epeli Vuicuvu and Setefano Somoca, this has ended their PRC days for 2010, but opened the way for Ratu & Seru Cakobau to shine like a Warrior.

 

Ropate Ratu had 2 tests for Fiji last season, slotting in at centre or wing he is a deceptive and strong runner. He has not been in France on holiday, he Ropate Ratu 1has been grinding out his trade in one of the worlds toughest rugby countries. This intense footy will have him fighting fit and ready to explode in front of his homeland, the Fiji coach has not witnessed him play yet and the PRC is the perfect avenue for him to stake his claim.

 

Even though injuries have struck, Inoke Male, coach of the Warriors believes he has capable players to fill in the vacuum. “It’s not so much of a blow to the team because from our past games many players have really stepped up and I believe that I have capable players who can do the job.”

 

The Warriors all went to church in the morning yesterday and returned have a pool session. Male said “We will watch the video of our game against Savaii and look at our weaknesses and by tomorrow we should lay out a strategy to counter Tautahi Gold.”

 

“We have met them twice and we know they will be strong upfront.”“They have good kickers in their right wing and fullback, but come Tuesday something will be set for them.”

 

Meanwhile Male has named a few players like young naval officer Nikola Matawalu and Kelepi Ketedromo as some of his players that have shown great progress in the key positions they hold.

 

Ketedromo plays number 8 whilst Matawalu mans the number 9 jersey.“This is only possible because they have been together as a team for sometime, and I’m still confident in my players that they can play the game right.”

 

The Warriors will face Tautahi Gold in the main game at Prince Charles Park on Tuesday at 5pm.

They are the only unbeaten team in the tournament and they lead the points table by 12 points.