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RNZ News
a day ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Samoa and Tonga set to clash in Pacific Nations Cup opener
Manu Samoa training at Te'ufaiva Stadium in Nuku'alofa on Tuesday. 18 August 2025 Photo: Facebook / Lakapi Samoa Saturday's Pacific Nations Cup series opener between Samoa and Tonga will set the tone for both teams as they chase qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup (RWC). Both teams will be eager to start their campaign with a win, as three RWC spots are available for for four contenders: Samoa, Tonga, Canada and United States. Both sides are missing key players due to club commitments. Manu Samoa jetted into Tonga on Monday and held their first training run in Nuku'alofa on Tuesday. A large crowd turned up to welcome them. Manu Samoa fans in Tonga greet the team as they arrived at Fua'amotu airport on Monday. Photo: Facebook / Lakapi Samoa The Samoans have been forced to go without several players who featured against Scotland in July, including prop Kaynan Siteine-Tua, back-row Jonah Mau'u, fly-half Jacob Umaga, midfielder Duncan Paia'aua, and full-back Latrell Smiler-Ah Kiong. Head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi said they have to work with what they have, but the is confident with the support they have received. "Like the cherished 'ie toga , our PNC campaign weaves together the individual threads of Manu Samoa," the former Manu Samoa rep said. "Each unique strand - every player, supporter, and voice - strengthens the whole. Many threads, one purpose, United we stand." Lakapi Samoa recognises the importance of the PNC series, with their sights set on making it to Australia in 2027. "The Pacific Nations Cup carries extra significance this year as it serves as our pathway to qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2027," Lakapi Samoa chief executive Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun said. "This is more than a tournament; it is our chance to secure Samoa's place on rugby's biggest stage. United we stand, ready to give our all for our jersey, our families, and our nation." The Samoans will be led by flanker Theodore MacFarland. 'Ikale Tahi Tonga players as they prepare to battle Manu Samoa in Nuku'alofa on Saturday. Photo: Tonga Rugby Photo: Facebook / Tonga Rugby Union Inconsistency has been a major problem for the 'Ikale Tahi. That fact is not lost on head coach Tevita Tuifua, who, along with his assistant Nili Latu, is also missing several key players as well. Their only warm-up was against the the Reds last weekend. They remain the only top Pacific Island teams never to progress beyond the pool stage of a World Cup, although they have been involved in every tournament since the first one back in 1987. World Rugby's change in eligibility rules allowed full-back Charles Piutau to switch national allegiances to the country of his birth after playing 17 times for New Zealand between 2013 and 2015. He played his first test in the red of Tonga in 2022, and was part of their Rugby World Cup 2023 squad. Veteran halfback Sonatane Takalua has come out of retirement to answer his country's call. Takalua announced his retirement after Tonga failed to make it into the quarterfinal at the last world cup in 2023. Tuifua said he was grateful that players like Takalua, Piutau and Ben Tameifuna have put their hands up to lead the campaign again this time around. Tuifua said he wanted to get some other players, but they are tied up with National Provincial Championship (NPC) competition in New Zealand and club commitments in Europe. One of those is former All Black Ngani Laumape, who had indicated to Latu and Tuifua his interest to play for Tonga. But he is currently tied up with NPC commitments, along with fullback William Havili. 'Ikale Tahi Tonga players as they prepare to battle Manu Samoa in Nuku'alofa on Saturday. Photo: Facebook / Tonga Rugby Union "But we have players who are dedicated to getting Tonga into the world cup," he said. "Saturday is going to be a tough one but we are going to give it our best shot." Tuifua said their focus is going to be on Saturday, taking one game at a time. Tonga will meet Fiji on 30 August in Suva, while Samoa will host Fiji in Rotorua on 6 September. Following that, the three teams will then travel to Canada and America for the semifinals and final. Fiji and Japan have already qualified for the 2027 RWC, which means the other four teams will be vying to secure the three spots available.
ABC News
21-07-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Hale T Pole represents all Pacific Island rugby players these days
Hale T Pole played more than 30 times for Tonga, including at a World Cup, and is taking those lessons and applying them to the next generation. Pole talks about his culture shock moving from Tonga to NZ at age 18, that red card against Samoa in the World Cup and as the CEO of Pacific Rugby Players, what the big improvements have been to date and what's to come. Will Hopoate talks us through some of the exciting finishes in the NRL this week, Sam Wykes casts his eye over Samoa's game vs Scotland and the latest news for the Pasifika First Nations game and Shellie Long sums up the underdog victories in the NRLW. NB: Hear the Hale T Pole interview at 29:30
