Wooden spoon to Gold.

The past seasons of despair and wooden spoon syndrome are long gone for the Tau'uta Gold’s. 2008 has been a very very successful year and this weekend the Tongan team has a chance to bring the final of the Pacific Rugby Cup to their home ground. Samoan teams have dominated this competition so far and the Tongan’s are planning to change the tide on this in the clash with reigning champions Upolu Samoa.

Nili Latu being in the team has boosted the moral of the Gold’s, he is a superstar to the local boys and his inclusion sees them all play with much pride as they have so much respect for him. Another key factor is off the field changes. The team was in an extensive camp for 2 weeks prior to the competition and every Tuesday evening is a bonding session. The boys relax in this and perform, joke and entertain each other. This has seen a union and spirit form in the side and this has propelled there on field performances thus far.

Leaving Tonga for this weekends game they looked very determined. Reporting from Apia, Tau'uta Gold’s coach Liueli Lafoe Fusimalohi says “everyone is relaxed, team spirit is very high and we look forward to hosting the final next week in Tonga”. The team also send a message to their brother team Tau'uta Reds wishing them luck in their battle.

UPOLU SAMOA  updates.
Upolu Samoa, will be hosting a powerful Tautahi Gold side, who look intent in breaking the Samoan stranglehold on the competition. Despite going down to the Fiji Warriors in the first round, the burley Tautahi Gold outfit have made short work of their opposing teams in the following rounds, and will look to do the same against Upolu Samoa at home. “ We have to come to Samoa for one thing, and that is to win” says the Tautahi Gold head coach Liueli Lafoe Fusimalohi, “ We have trained and worked hard as a team, and will be confident and ready for whatever Upolu will have to chuck at us”. Fusimalohi’s side will boast Ikale Tahi Captain, Nili Latu, who was outstanding for Tonga at the Rugby World Cup in France last year. Latu will lead an impressive Gold team and a forward pack that have been in menacing form during the Pacific Rugby Cup this year.

Upolu Samoa however, fell victim to a last minute loss, at the hands of fellow countryman Savaii Samoa last weekend, and is still reeling from the missed opportunities that went begging. “ We didn’t seem to want the win as much as Savaii did, and weren’t focused at all” Patu quips.” A loss for us in those circumstances, gave a wake up call, which is something that we will rectify this week”.
The Upolu side will be ruing the loss of their Sevens stars, who will be travelling to London and Edinburg for the IRB World Sevens Series. Notable omissions from the team are Loose forwards Simaika Mikaele and Alapasa Cordzt who have been dominating form throughout. Speedstar Timoteo Iosua, Lolo Lui and Uale Mai will be also joining the loose forward trio to London. “ We will miss the sevens boys this weekend, however, it is an opportunity for the younger players to step up” says Selefuti Patu, Head Coach for Upolu Samoa. “ These boys have been training tirelessly, and are more than capable to take their place this weekend, they are ready for the challenge”.

In terms of this weekends clash, Patu cautiously reflects on the immense challenge the Tautahi Gold will present .“They will be ruthless and tough like any Tongan side, especially in the forwards, “ says Patu, “ You can’t take a back ward step against the Tongans, otherwise you will beaten”.  “ You have to meet them head on, which is exactly what Upolu will be doing”

Irrespective of the outcome, one thing is for certain; Apia Park this Saturday will not be a place for the faint hearted, as both teams will ensure a bruising battle, befitting of Pacific Rugby.