3 days ago
Pasifika Sipoti in brief for 19 August
New Zealand v Samoa, National Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Photo:
DJ Mills /
Defending champions New Zealand, and Group B opposition New Caledonia, recorded wins in their opening pool matches at the Oceania Under-16 Men's Championship in Solomon Islands on Monday.
New Zealand defeated Samoa 5-0 at the National Stadium in Honiara.
New Caledonia produced a second-half fightback to defeat the Solomon Islands 5-2.
Trailing 2-1 at half time, the visitors struck four times in the second half to silence the vocal home crowd.
Manusina Samoa coach Mata'afa Ramsey Tomokino says the team wants to make Samoa proud when they compete at the Women's Rugby World Cup this weekend.
Tomokino said the Samoan women deserve to be seen on the world stage, having last played at the World Cup in 2014.
They are in Pool A at the World Cup in England, and will meet Australia on Saturday night, Samoa time.
Fijiana 15s coach Ioan Cunningham says his side's trademark attacking flair will be their biggest weapon as they prepare to face world number two Canada this Sunday, in their opening World Cup clash in England.
Cunningham said Fiji's ability to play with ball in hand is a key strength heading into the clash.
FBC
reported Cunningham is confident the team has outstanding players that can attack the line, offload and create opportunities on the front foot.
Canada defeated Australia 45-7 in the Pacific Four Series two months ago, and beat Ireland 47-26 in a warm-up game.
The two sides will meet on Sunday at 4.30am Fiji time.
The Papua New Guinea Hunters have risen to seventh spot on the Hostplus Cup competition table, following their 52-32 win over the Magpies on Sunday.
The home win puts the side in good standing, as they eye a play-off spot.
The National
reports head coach Paul Aiton is happy with the win, which also places them on equal points with sixth-placed Ipswich Jets.
The Hunters have two more regular-season games.
