2008 Pacific Islanders rugby union tour of Europe

2008 Pacific Islanders rugby union tour of Europe
Summary
P W D L
Total
3 1 0 2
Test match
3 1 0 2
Opponent
P W D L
 England
1 0 0 1
 France
1 0 0 1
 Italy
1 1 0 0

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.

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

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

England

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

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

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