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Apia Park in Samoa’s capital is to be the setting for the final of the 2017 Pacific Nations Cup. The Flying Fijians take-on Samoa in search of ending a perfect campaign.
The Tri-Nations tournament has Fiji, Samoa and Tonga playing each other twice. The current state of Fiji being as strong as it is has been underlined by winning all matches. This, remarkably, saw Fiji qualify for Rugby World Cup 2019 with a game in hand.
In Japan 2019 Fiji will play against Australia, Georgia, Wales and Americas 2 in Pool D. The Americas qualifier will be the winner of Canada vs Uruguay. The Americas sides will play home-and-away in January and February.
One week on from Fiji claiming Oceania 1 the Oceania 2 spot will be determined. On Saturday in Apia a win by the home side will see Samoa claiming Oceania 2. Both Samoa and Tonga have one win.
Tonga has completed all matches for a 1-3 return. Samoa currently is 1-2. This means Samoa is in a strong position to qualify and that it is out of Tonga’s control. The equation for Tonga to be Oceania 2 is for Fiji to win by more than 7 points.
The prize for Oceania 2 is potentially bitter-sweet. While the country will have sealed its place in Rugby World Cup 2019 it will be in the Pool of Death. Awaiting Oceania 2 are to be both the Eagles and Pumas abut also England and France.
The team who fails to qualify as Oceania 2 will have one additional opportunity at qualifying. That team will enter the Europe / Oceania play-off. The winner of Oceania 3 vs Europe 2 will qualify for Japan 2019 as the Play-Off winner. This side will join Ireland, Japan, Europe 1 (likely Romania) and Scotland in Pool A.
Both Argentina and the USA are therefore certain to face either Samoa or Tonga. The line-up’s for Saturday’s qualifier have been announced. They are as follows:
SAMOA
15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Alapati Leiua, 13 Kieron Fonotia, 12 Reynold Lee-Lo, 11 David Lemi (Capt.), 10 Tusiata Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali’i, 8 Faifili Levave, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Piula Faasalele, 5 Faatiga Lemalu, 4 Chris Vui, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Elia Elia, 1 Jordan Lay
Replacements: 16 Seilala Lam, 17 Nephi Leatigaga, 18 James Lay, 19 Galu Taufale, 20 Vavae Tuilagi, 21 Auvasa Falealii, 22 D’Angelo Leuila, 23 Ahsee Tuala.
FIJI
15 Timoci Nagusa, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 12 Jale Vatubua, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Henry Seniloli, 8 Nemani Nagusa, 7 Akapusi Qera (Capt.), 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 1 Campese Ma’afu
Replacements: 16 Sunia Koto, 17 Joeli Veitayaki, 18 Kalivati Tawake, 19 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 20 Viliame Mata, 21 Frank Lomani, 22 Eroni Vasiteri, 23 Josua Tuisova.
