2008 Pacific Islanders rugby union tour of Europe

Summary

The 2008 Pacific Islanders rugby union tour of Europe was a series of test matches played by the Pacific Islanders team in England, France, and Italy during November 2008.

2008 Pacific Islanders rugby union tour of Europe
Summary
P W D L
Total
03 01 00 02
Test match
03 01 00 02
Opponent
P W D L
 England
1 0 0 1
 France
1 0 0 1
 Italy
1 1 0 0

The team lost the first two test matches against England and France, but won the final test against Italy.

The head coach for the tour was former Tongan player Quddus Fielea, after Ilivasi Tabua withdrew from the tour. The captain for the tour was Fijian Mosese Rauluni while the vice-captain was Tongan Nili Latu.

Squad edit

Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

Player Position Union
Tani Fuga Hooker   Samoa
Sunia Koto Hooker   Fiji
Aleki Lutui Hooker   Tonga
Tonga Leaʻaetoa Prop   Tonga
Census Johnston Prop   Samoa
Kas Lealamanua Prop   Samoa
Kisi Pulu Prop   Tonga
Justin Va'a Prop   Samoa
Paino Hehea Lock   Tonga
Kele Leawere Lock   Fiji
Filipo Levi Lock   Samoa
Hale T-Pole Lock   Tonga
Nili Latu (vc) Flanker   Tonga
Semisi Naevo Flanker   Fiji
George Stowers Flanker   Samoa
Viliami Vaki Flanker   Tonga
Sisa Koyamaibole Number 8   Fiji
Finau Maka Number 8   Tonga
Player Position Union
Sililo Martens Scrum-half   Tonga
Mosese Rauluni (c) Scrum-half   Fiji
Seremaia Bai Fly-half   Fiji
Pierre Hola Fly-half   Tonga
Seilala Mapusua Centre   Samoa
Seru Rabeni Centre   Fiji
Epi Taione Centre   Tonga
Vilimoni Delasau Wing   Fiji
Napolioni Nalaga Wing   Fiji
Sailosi Tagicakibau Wing   Samoa
Kameli Ratuvou Fullback   Fiji
Gavin Williams Fullback   Samoa

Two further players were originally included in the squad Sireli Bobo and Soane Tongaʻuiha; Bobo later became unavailable, and Tongaʻuiha withdrew from the tour.

Results edit

England edit

8 November 2008
England  39–13  Pacific Islanders
Tries: Sackey (2), Cipriani, Kennedy, Mears
Con: Cipriani (4)
Pen: Cipriani (2)
ReportTries: Rabeni
Con: Hola
Pen: Hola, Bai
Twickenham, London
Attendance: 55,427
Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia)

France edit

15 November 2008
France  42–17  Pacific Islanders
Tries:Tillous-Borde, Szarzewski, Heymans, Picamoles, Medard
Con: Skrela (4)
Pen: Skrela (3)
ReportTries:Taione
Pen: Bai (4)
Stade Auguste Bonal, Montbéliard
Attendance: 20,000
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

Italy edit

22 November 2008
Italy  17–25  Pacific Islanders
Tries: Ghiraldini 16' c
Mauro Bergamasco 65' c
Con: Marcato (2)
Pen: Marcato 6'
ReportTries: 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 (England)

See also edit