The 2022 Pacific Nations Cup is the 15th edition of the Pacific Nations Cup. It is an annual international rugby union competition and the first since 2019, with a two-year lay-off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background of PNC
Fiji, Samoa and Tonga return to the competition with the addition of Australia A which rejoins for the first time since 2008. Fiji will attempt to win her sixth PNC crown, but will face a stern test from Australia A, Tonga and Samoa.
The Flying Fijians and Ikale Tahi have competed in all 14 editions of the tournament, while Samoa has made 13 appearances, missing the 2013 PNC.
The inaugural tournament, which was held in 2006, was won by the Junior All Blacks, which defended the title in 2007 and then won it again in 2009.
In 2008, the New Zealand Maori replaced the Junior All Blacks and won the title. Australia A was part of the tournament in 2007 and 2008, finishing runner-up on both occasions.
The Cherry Blossoms appeared in the first 10 editions of the PNC, as well as the most recent tournament in 2019, while Canada and the USA have each competed in the event four times. Georgia took part in the 2018 edition, finishing third.
The Flying Fijians have won five PNC titles, while Japan and Samoa have three titles to their name.
Tonga and Australia A will be hoping to win the tournament for the first time this year. The Ikale Tahi will use the tournament as preparation for their Asia/Pacific 1 play-off match.
Cotter names five debutants for Fiji
Vodafone Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter named five debutants in the run-on team which faces a high-profile Tongan outfit, injecting a mixture of young and experienced players. Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere and Manasa Saulo will anchor the scrum.
Isoa Nasilasila will pair Tevita Ratuva as locks, while Mesulame Kunavula, Rusiate Nasove and Albert Tuisue complete the forward pack. Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Waisea Nayacalevu, Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo and Setareki Tuicuvu will add speed, power and physicality in the backline.
The likes of Sam Matavesi, Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Api Ratuniyarawa, Kitione Kamikamica, Peni Matawalu, Seta Tamanivalu and Manasa Mataele are expected to add firepower and energy from the bench.
Fans are expecting a strong performance from the Tongan side who will hope to create an upset.
Traditionally, the Fiji vs Tonga battles had been physical, so Fiji will have to be ready for that confrontation and aggressive nature.
Our boys will have to execute the game plan smartly, create opportunities, and be accurate, calm and composed.
On the other hand, ex-Wallaby, Israel Folau, will make his debut for Tonga against Fiji, ending a four-year Test rugby exile. He was named on the right wing.
Former All Blacks Charles Piutau and Malakai Fekitoa will bolster Tonga’s ranks as the tiny Pacific kingdom seeks to win the tournament for the first time in its 15-year history. Coach Toutai Kefu has also roped in the likes of Sioate Tokolahi, Solomone Funaki, Sione Tu’ipulotu, Sonatane Takulua, William Havili, David Lolohea, Sione Havili and Lotu Inisi for the fiery, tight clash.
Seru in Lonergan’s hit list
Australia A head coach Jason Gilmore has named Ryan Lonergan captain.
Fraser McReight and Reece Hodge have been named as vice captains as Australia A returns to the field for the first time since 2008. Tim Anstee, Will Harris and Fijian born Seru Uru have been named alongside Ryan Smith.
Matt Gibbon, Billy Pollard and Tom Robertson have also been named in the front row. Super Rugby sensation Tame Edmed will join his Waratahs teammates Lalakai Foketi and Mark Nawaqani in the starting back-line.
Hodge, Jack Campbell and Hamish Stewart round out the back-line.
The likes of Feleti Kaitu’u, Harry Hoopert, Archer Holz, James Tuttle,Hudson Creighton and Dylan Pietsch made the cut as impact players from the bench. Samoa head coach Seilala Mapusua has also named a powerful side to face Australia A.
Aki Seiuli, Seilala Lam, Michael Alaalatoa, Samuel Slade, Chris Vui, OJ Noa, Alamanda Motuga, Fritz Lee, Ereatara Enari, Rodney Iona, Nigel Ah Wong, D’Angelo Leuila, Neria Fomai, Lolagi Visinia, Danny Toala, Raymond Niuia, Andrew Tuala, Marco Fepulea’I, Theodore McFarland, Henry Time- Stowers, Jack Lam, Jonathan Taumateine and Henry Taefu will fly Samoa’s flag.
Fans are in for a brutal opening encounter.
- RAJNESH LINGAM is a contributor to this newspaper. The views expressed are his and not necessarily of this newspaper or his employer.
