2017 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup
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| 2017 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup | |
|---|---|
| Tournament details | |
| Countries |  Fiji Samoa Tonga |
| Tournament format(s) | Round-robin |
| Date | 1–15 July 2017 |
| Tournament statistics | |
| Teams | 3 |
| Matches played | 3 |
| Attendance | 26,500 (8,833 per match) |
| Tries scored | 13 (4.33 per match) |
| Top point scorer(s) | Sonatane Takulua (25) |
| Top try scorer(s) | Henry Seniloli (3) |
| Final | |
| Champions | Fiji (4th title) |
| Runners-up | Tonga |
The 2017 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup was the twelfth edition of the Pacific Nations Cup annual international rugby union tournament. The 2017 title was contested solely by the Pacific nations of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
Teams competing in previous years, Canada, Japan and the United States were not scheduled to participate in the tournament for 2017 or 2016 due to the 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifying format. The top two teams on aggregate across the 2016 and 2017 Pacific Nations Cups for Japan 2019,[1] with the team finishing third scheduled to enter the repechage for qualification.[2]
Having not hosted a test match since playing Fiji in June 2009, Tonga was given the go-ahead to host a test match with World Rugby's approval of the revamped Teufaiva Sport Stadium.[3]
Fiji retained their title to win for the third consecutive year.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | TA | TB | LB | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fiji |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 26 | +26 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 9 |
| 2 | Tonga |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 40 | 40 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| 3 | Samoa |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 42 | 68 | −26 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Source: [citation needed]
Rules for classification: 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw, 1 bonus point for a loss by seven points or less, 1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match
Rules for classification: 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw, 1 bonus point for a loss by seven points or less, 1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match
Fixtures
The full match schedule was announced on 23 March 2017.[4]
Round 1
| 1 July 2017 15:00 TOT (UTC+13) |
| Tonga | 30–26 | Samoa |
| Try: Latu 13' c Pakalani 17' c Takulua 47' c Con: Takulua (3/3) 14', 19', 49' Pen: Takulua (3/3) 12', 33', 42' | Report[5] | Try: Levave 30' c Leiua 65' c Con: Pisi (2/2) 30', 66' Pen: Pisi (4/4) 8', 21', 35', 44' |
| Teufaiva Sport Stadium, Nukuʻalofa Attendance: 10,000 Referee: Marius Mitrea (Italy) |
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Touch judges:
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Notes:
- This was Tonga's first home game since they played Fiji in 2009.
- This was Tonga's first win over Samoa since they won 29–19 in 2011.
- Siegfried Fisiihoi, Atieli Pakalani (both Tonga), Auvasa Faleali'i, Jordan Lay, Henry Taefu and Masalosalo Tutaia (all Samoa) made their international debuts.
- David Lemi (Samoa) earned his 50th test cap.
Round 2
| 8 July 2017 15:00 TOT (UTC+13) |
| Tonga | 10–14 | Fiji |
| Try: Fisiihoi 46' c Con: Takulua (1/1) 47' Pen: Takulua (1/2) 25' | Report[6] | Try: Nakarawa 53' m Pen: Volavola (3/3) 14', 65', 72' |
| Teufaiva Sport Stadium, Nukuʻalofa Attendance: 10,000 Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand) |
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Touch judges:
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Notes:
- Sione Tau (Tonga) made his international debut.
- With this Result Fiji guaranteed qualification for the Rugby World Cup 2019 as Oceana 1.
Round 3
| 15 July 2017 14:00 WST (UTC+13) |
| Samoa | 16–38 | Fiji |
| Try: Lemi 20' c Con: Pisi (1/1) 21' Pen: Pisi (3/6) 27', 33', 37' | Report[7] | Try: Seniloli (3) 10' c, 23' c, 42' c Vatubua 53' c Ratuniyarawa 75' c Con: Volavola (5/5) 11', 24', 43', 54', 76' Pen: Volavola (1/1) 62' |
| Apia Park, Apia Attendance: 6,500 Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand) |
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Touch judges:
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Notes:
- James Lay (Samoa) and Frank Lomani (Fiji) made their international debuts.
- This was Fiji's first win in Samoa since their 17–16 win in 2002.
Squads
| Nation | Head coach | Captain |
|---|---|---|
| Fiji |
 John McKee |
Akapusi Qera |
| Samoa |
Alama Ieremia |
David Lemi |
| Tonga |
 Toutai Kefu |
Siale Piutau |
Note: Number of caps and players' ages are indicated as of 1 July 2017 – the tournament's opening day, pre first tournament match.
Fiji
On 9 May, John McKee named an extended squad ahead of Fiji's 2017 June tests against Australia, Italy and Scotland and their Rugby Pacific Nations Cup / 2019 RWC Oceania qualification campaign in July.[8]
| Player | Position | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Club/province |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunia Koto | Hooker | (1980-04-15)April 15, 1980 (aged 37) | 54 |  Mâcon |
| Jale Sassen | Hooker | (1992-09-06)September 6, 1992 (aged 24) | 1 | Suva |
| Talemaitoga Tuapati | Hooker | (1985-08-16)August 16, 1985 (aged 31) | 36 | Provence |
| Lee Roy Atalifo | Prop | (1988-03-10)March 10, 1988 (aged 29) | 9 | Unattached |
| Mosese Ducivaki | Prop | (1991-02-28)February 28, 1991 (aged 26) | 1 | Naitasiri |
| Campese Ma'afu | Prop | (1984-12-19)December 19, 1984 (aged 32) | 45 |  Northampton Saints |
| Peni Ravai | Prop | (1990-06-16)June 16, 1990 (aged 27) | 21 | Aurillac |
| Manasa Saulo | Prop | (1989-04-06)April 6, 1989 (aged 28) | 31 | Toulon |
| Kalivati Tawake | Prop | (1988-11-16)November 16, 1988 (aged 28) | 3 | Suva |
| Joeli Veitayaki Jr. | Prop | (1986-03-14)March 14, 1986 (aged 31) | 5 | Naitasiri Highlanders |
| Leone Nakarawa | Lock | (1988-04-02)April 2, 1988 (aged 29) | 42 | Racing 92 |
| Tevita Cavubati | Lock | (1987-08-12)August 12, 1987 (aged 29) | 18 | Worcester Warriors |
| Api Ratuniyarawa | Lock | (1986-07-11)July 11, 1986 (aged 30) | 24 | Northampton Saints |
| Sikeli Nabou | Lock | (1988-03-05)March 5, 1988 (aged 29) | 1 | Biarritz Olympique |
| Naulia Dawai | Flanker | (1987-06-26)June 26, 1987 (aged 30) | 8 |  Connacht |
| Viliame Mata | Flanker | (1991-10-22)October 22, 1991 (aged 25) | 2 |  Edinburgh |
| Akapusi Qera (c) | Flanker | (1984-04-24)April 24, 1984 (aged 33) | 57 | Montpellier |
| Mosese Voka | Flanker | (1985-06-07)June 7, 1985 (aged 32) | 4 | Suva |
| Dominiko Waqaniburotu | Flanker | (1986-04-20)April 20, 1986 (aged 31) | 33 | Brive |
| Peceli Yato | Flanker | (1993-01-17)January 17, 1993 (aged 24) | 9 | Clermont Auvergne |
| Nemani Nagusa | Number 8 | (1988-06-21)June 21, 1988 (aged 29) | 8 | Nadroga |
| Nikola Matawalu | Scrum-half | (1989-03-08)March 8, 1989 (aged 28) | 32 | Exeter Chiefs |
| Henry Seniloli | Scrum-half | (1989-06-15)June 15, 1989 (aged 28) | 14 |  Timișoara Saracens |
| Serupepeli Vularika | Scrum-half | (1990-04-29)April 29, 1990 (aged 27) | 8 | Suva |
| Ben Volavola | Fly-half | (1991-01-13)January 13, 1991 (aged 26) | 17 | Melbourne Rebels |
| Levani Botia | Centre | (1989-03-14)March 14, 1989 (aged 28) | 8 | La Rochelle |
| Vereniki Goneva | Centre | (1984-04-05)April 5, 1984 (aged 33) | 44 | Newcastle Falcons |
| John Stewart | Centre | (1988-02-17)February 17, 1988 (aged 29) | 1 | Suva |
| Asaeli Tikoirotuma | Centre | (1986-06-24)June 24, 1986 (aged 31) | 19 | London Irish |
| Jale Vatubua | Centre | (1991-08-30)August 30, 1991 (aged 25) | 3 | Pau |
| Eroni Vasiteri | Centre | (1989-05-27)May 27, 1989 (aged 28) | 3 | Nadroga |
| Albert Vulivuli | Centre | (1985-05-26)May 26, 1985 (aged 32) | 16 | Racing 92 |
| Benito Masilevu | Wing | (1989-10-07)October 7, 1989 (aged 27) | 8 | Brive |
| Nemani Nadolo | Wing | (1988-01-31)January 31, 1988 (aged 29) | 26 | Montpellier |
| Timoci Nagusa | Wing | (1987-07-14)July 14, 1987 (aged 29) | 26 | Montpellier |
| Patrick Osborne | Wing | (1987-06-14)June 14, 1987 (aged 30) | 4 | Highlanders |
| Josua Tuisova | Wing | (1994-02-04)February 4, 1994 (aged 23) | 1 | Toulon |
| Kini Murimurivalu | Fullback | (1989-05-15)May 15, 1989 (aged 28) | 18 | La Rochelle |
| Metuisela Talebula | Fullback | (1991-05-24)May 24, 1991 (aged 26) | 22 | Bordeaux Bègles |
Samoa
On 29 May, Alama Ieremia named a 35-man squad ahead of Samoa's 2017 June tests against New Zealand and Wales and their Pacific Nations Cup / 2019 RWC Oceania qualification campaign in July.
| Player | Position | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Club/province |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elia Elia | Hooker | (1996-01-22)January 22, 1996 (aged 21) | 3 | Harlequins |
| Seilala Lam | Hooker | (1989-02-18)February 18, 1989 (aged 28) | 5 | Nevers |
| Manu Leiataua | Hooker | (1986-12-26)December 26, 1986 (aged 30) | 15 | Bayonne |
| Viliamu Afatia | Prop | (1990-05-24)May 24, 1990 (aged 27) | 17 | Racing 92 |
| Paul Alo-Emile | Prop | (1991-12-22)December 22, 1991 (aged 25) | 2 | Stade Français |
| Census Johnston | Prop | (1981-05-06)May 6, 1981 (aged 36) | 57 | Toulouse |
| James Lay | Prop | (1993-12-16)December 16, 1993 (aged 23) | 0 | Whakarewarewa |
| Jordan Lay | Prop | (1992-11-05)November 5, 1992 (aged 24) | 0 | Whakarewarewa |
| Nephi Leatigaga | Prop | (1993-12-05)December 5, 1993 (aged 23) | 3 |  Piacenza |
| Hisa Sasagi | Prop | (1987-06-29)June 29, 1987 (aged 30) | 1 | Southern RFC |
| Bronson Tauakipulu | Prop | (1996-01-08)January 8, 1996 (aged 21) | 1 | Northshore |
| Fa'atiga Lemalu | Lock | (1989-04-17)April 17, 1989 (aged 28) | 20 | Saracens |
| Masalosalo Tutaia | Lock | (1984-06-05)June 5, 1984 (aged 33) | 0 | Pau |
| Chris Vui | Lock | (1993-02-11)February 11, 1993 (aged 24) | 3 | Worcester Warriors |
| Piula Faʻasalele | Flanker | (1988-01-22)January 22, 1988 (aged 29) | 7 | Toulouse |
| Alafoti Fa'osiliva | Flanker | (1985-10-28)October 28, 1985 (aged 31) | 23 | Worcester Warriors |
| Jack Lam | Flanker | (1987-11-18)November 18, 1987 (aged 29) | 21 | Bristol |
| Faifili Levave | Flanker | (1986-01-15)January 15, 1986 (aged 31) | 14 |  Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars |
| Kelly Meafua | Flanker | (1990-10-16)October 16, 1990 (aged 26) | 0 | West Harbour |
| Fa'alemiga Selesele | Flanker | (1989-02-28)February 28, 1989 (aged 28) | 5 | Moataa |
| Galu Taufale | Flanker | (1987-03-17)March 17, 1987 (aged 30) | 1 | Poneke |
| Taiasina Tuifu'a | Flanker | (1984-08-20)August 20, 1984 (aged 32) | 19 | Lyon |
| Sanele Vavae Tuilagi | Number 8 | (1988-06-15)June 15, 1988 (aged 29) | 8 | Carcassonne |
| Auvasa Faleali'i | Scrum-half | (1990-02-09)February 9, 1990 (aged 27) | 0 | Nevers |
| Kahn Fotuali'i | Scrum-half | (1982-05-22)May 22, 1982 (aged 35) | 33 | Bath |
| Dwayne Polataivao | Scrum-half | (1990-07-30)July 30, 1990 (aged 26) | 3 | Northcote RFC |
| D'Angelo Leuila | Fly-half | (1997-01-18)January 18, 1997 (aged 20) | 6 | Papatoetoe RFC |
| Tila Mealoi | Fly-half | (1991-06-28)June 28, 1991 (aged 26) | 1 | Apia Maroons |
| Tusi Pisi | Fly-half | (1982-06-18)June 18, 1982 (aged 35) | 28 | Bristol |
| Kieron Fonotia | Centre | (1988-02-02)February 2, 1988 (aged 29) | 2 |  Ospreys |
| Rey Lee-Lo | Centre | (1986-02-20)February 20, 1986 (aged 31) | 12 | Cardiff Blues |
| Alapati Leiua | Centre | (1988-09-21)September 21, 1988 (aged 28) | 13 | Wasps |
| Henry Taefu | Centre | (1993-04-02)April 2, 1993 (aged 24) | 0 | Queensland Reds |
| David Lemi (c) | Wing | (1982-02-10)February 10, 1982 (aged 35) | 49 | Bristol |
| Tim Nanai-Williams | Wing | (1989-06-12)June 12, 1989 (aged 28) | 6 | Chiefs |
| Ken Pisi | Wing | (1989-02-24)February 24, 1989 (aged 28) | 13 | Northampton Saints |
| Albert Nikoro | Fullback | (1992-08-07)August 7, 1992 (aged 24) | 6 | West Scarborough |
| Ahsee Tuala | Fullback | (1989-08-23)August 23, 1989 (aged 27) | 6 | Northampton Saints |
Tonga
On 9 June, Tonga named a 35-man extended squad for their 2017 June test against Wales and their Pacific Nations Cup / 2019 RWC Oceania qualification campaign in July.[9]
| Player | Position | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Club/province |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sione Lea | Hooker | (1987-01-12)12 January 1987 (aged 30) | 3 | Clifton |
| Paul Ngauamo | Hooker | (1990-02-19)19 February 1990 (aged 27) | 10 | Stade Montois |
| Suliasi Taufalele | Hooker | (1988-08-12)12 August 1988 (aged 28) | 4 | Ardmore Marist |
| Siegfried Fisiihoi | Prop | (1987-06-08)8 June 1987 (aged 30) | 0 | Chiefs |
| Siua Halanukonuka | Prop | (1986-08-09)9 August 1986 (aged 30) | 4 | Highlanders |
| Phil Kite | Prop | (1993-04-24)24 April 1993 (aged 24) | 1 | Queensland Reds |
| Sila Puafisi | Prop | (1988-04-15)15 April 1988 (aged 29) | 27 | Glasgow Warriors |
| Latu Talakai | Prop | (1989-12-26)26 December 1989 (aged 27) | 1 | Fraser Tech |
| Ben Tameifuna | Prop | (1991-08-30)30 August 1991 (aged 25) | 1 | Racing 92 |
| Daniel Faleafa | Lock | (1989-02-13)13 February 1989 (aged 28) | 11 | Albi |
| Leva Fifita | Lock | (1989-07-29)29 July 1989 (aged 27) | 1 | Hamilton Old Boys |
| Steve Mafi | Lock | (1989-12-09)9 December 1989 (aged 27) | 21 | Castres Olympique |
| Vainanuma Manu | Lock | (1992-08-01)1 August 1992 (aged 24) | 0 | Marist |
| Harrison Mataele | Lock | 0 | Grammar TEC | |
| Michael Faleafa | Flanker | (1992-02-03)3 February 1992 (aged 25) | 1 | Hikurangi |
| Nili Latu | Flanker | (1982-02-19)19 February 1982 (aged 35) | 53 | Newcastle Falcons |
| Sione Lolohea | Flanker | 0 | Silapelu’ua | |
| Otenili Moala | Flanker | 0 | Hamilton Old Boys | |
| Jack Ram | Flanker | (1987-01-14)14 January 1987 (aged 30) | 11 | Doncaster Knights |
| Sione Tau | Flanker | (1989-02-21)21 February 1989 (aged 28) | 0 | Agen |
| Valentino Mapapalangi | Number 8 | (1993-07-13)13 July 1993 (aged 23) | 4 | Kia Toa |
| Leon Fukofuka | Scrum-half | (1994-09-08)8 September 1994 (aged 22) | 1 | Crusaders |
| Sefo Ma'ake | Scrum-half | (1991-09-15)15 September 1991 (aged 25) | 1 | Havelu Bulldogs |
| Sonatane Takulua | Scrum-half | (1991-01-11)11 January 1991 (aged 26) | 21 | Newcastle Falcons |
| Latiume Fosita | Fly-half | (1992-07-25)25 July 1992 (aged 24) | 22 | Papatoetoe |
| Kali Hala | Fly-half | (1991-03-06)6 March 1991 (aged 26) | 6 | Karaka |
| Siale Piutau (c) | Centre | (1985-10-13)13 October 1985 (aged 31) | 28 | Bristol |
| Viliami Tahituʻa | Centre | (1992-09-10)10 September 1992 (aged 24) | 4 | Yamaha Júbilo |
| Tevita Taufuʻi | Centre | (1988-03-21)21 March 1988 (aged 29) | 1 | Melville |
| Tuihakavalu Ika | Wing | (1995-05-12)12 May 1995 (aged 22) | 0 | Toloa Old Boys |
| Atieli Pakalani | Wing | (1989-08-02)2 August 1989 (aged 27) | 0 | Southern Districts |
| Nafi Tuitavake | Wing | (1989-01-21)21 January 1989 (aged 28) | 5 | Northampton Saints |
| Kiti Taimani Vaini | Wing | 1 | Grammar TEC | |
| Cooper Vuna | Wing | (1987-07-05)5 July 1987 (aged 29) | 2 | Worcester Warriors |
| David Halaifonua | Fullback | (1987-07-05)5 July 1987 (aged 29) | 22 | Gloucester |
References
- ↑ rugbybworldcup.com. "Regional qualification process set for Rugby World Cup 2019". rugbyworldcup.com. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ↑ "Pacific nations get helping hand for 2019". All Blacks. Archived from the original on 2015-11-16. Retrieved 2015-11-15.
- ↑ "Sport: Tonga expects Teufaiva to host July rugby tests". radionz.co.nz. 27 March 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ↑ worldrugby.org. "Stage set for compelling June internationals". worldrugby.org. Archived from the original on 31 March 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ↑ worldrugby.org. "Takulua leads Tonga to victory". worldrugby.org. Archived from the original on 2 July 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ↑ worldrugby.org. "Fiji qualify for RWC 2019". worldrugby.org. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ↑ worldrugby.org. "Tonga qualify for RWC 2019 as Oceania 2". worldrugby.org. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ↑ "Fiji Rugby Union » Vodafone Flying Fijians Squad for 2017 June Tests". www.fijirugby.com. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ↑ "Sport: Seven new caps in Tongan rugby squad". radionz.co.nz. 8 June 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2017.