2019 Pacific Nations Cup Preview

The 2019 Pacific Nations Cup is set to begin this weekend and for the first time since 2015 – also a World Cup year – there will be North American teams involved. It’s a tournament that many American fans would like to see return to the rotation on a regular basis but for now, it appears to be special occasions only with the Americas Rugby Championship a clear priority.

As it did four years ago, this year’s rendition doubles as a final testing ground for RWC 2019 hopefuls. The added stakes make for compelling viewing and the PNC already has a reputation for producing some of the most exciting battles in world rugby.

Fiji are the defending champions and favorites to earn the title again, with their opening match against Japan likely to determine their fate. There is a North American derby in Colorado on the opening weekend, the Brave Blossoms will unveil two World Cup venues, and all six teams will be in Fiji for the final round.

All matches will be broadcast by World Rugby however some geo-restrictions will apply. NBC Sports Gold will carry the games in the USA, with TSN airing the Canada games though the television broadcast of at least the first match will be on delay.

Detailed squad lists of all teams can be seen here.

 

FIXTURES

Fri, Jul 26 – 19:00 PT / 22:00 ET – Samoa vs Tonga (Apia)
Fri, Jul 26 – 22:50 PT / 01:50 ET – Japan vs Fiji (Kamaishi)
Sat, Jul 27 – 17:00 PT / 20:00 ET – USA vs Canada (Glendale)

Fri, Aug 2 – 19:30 PT / 22:30 ET – USA vs Samoa (Suva)
Fri, Aug 2 – 22:15 PT / 01:15 ET – Fiji vs Canada (Suva)
Sat, Aug 3 – 03:10 PT / 06:10 ET – Japan vs Tonga (Osaka)

Thu, Aug 8 – 20:00 PT / 23:00 ET – Tonga vs Canada (Lautoka)
Fri, Aug 9 – 21:35 OT / 00:35 ET – USA vs Japan (Suva)
Sat, Aug 10 – 00:15 PT / 03:15 ET – Fiji vs Samoa (Suva)

 

CANADA

The lowest-ranked team in the competition, Canada were the last to qualify for the World Cup and face a challenging fixture list with no home matches though they will, at least, have limited travel while camping in Fiji for the second and third tests. They have named a squad of 31, effectively a RWC selection though two or three spots may yet be up for grabs.

The addition of the Toronto Arrows in Major League Rugby has proved a massive boost to the squad with only two amateurs in the traveling group. In-form Chiefs No8 Tyler Ardron returns to the captaincy with the likes of Seattle Seawolves talisman Phil Mack and Glasgow Warriors star DTH van der Merwe providing vast experience in the backs.

World Ranking: 21
Head Coach: Kingsley Jones (3rd year)
Captain: Tyler Ardron

Forwards: Rob Brouwer (Toronto Arrows), Hubert Buydens (NOLA Gold), Djustice Sears-Duru (Seattle Seawolves), Eric Howard (NOLA Gold), Benoît Pifféro (Blagnac, FR), Andrew Quattrin (Toronto Arrows), Jake Ilnicki (Seattle Seawolves), Cole Keith (Toronto Arrows), Matt Tierney (Pau, FR), Conor Keys (Rotherham Titans, UK), Evan Olmstead (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Mike Sheppard (Toronto Arrows), Kyle Baillie (NOLA Gold), Justin Blanchet (Bedford Blues, UK), Matt Heaton (Darlington Mowden Park, UK), Lucas Rumball (Toronto Arrows), Tyler Ardron (Chiefs, NZ), Luke Campbell (Toronto Arrows)

Backs: Phil Mack (Seattle Seawolves), Jamie Mackenzie (Toronto Arrows), Gordon McRorie (Calgary Hornets), Shane O’Leary (Nottingham, UK), Patrick Parfrey (Toronto Arrows), Nick Blevins (Calgary Hornets), Ciaran Hearn (London Irish, UK), Ben LeSage (UBC Thunderbirds), Conor Trainor (Nevers, FR), DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors, UK), Jeff Hassler (Seattle Seawolves), Taylor Paris (Castres, FR), Peter Nelson (Ulster, IR)

 

FIJI

The Flying Fijians are pre-tournament favorites and for good reason – they are the defending champions, the highest ranked team, and will play their final two matches at home. Perhaps more importantly they defeated the Māori just two weeks ago with their first-string side, their second-stringers coming up short but still proving competitive.

John McKee is the longest-standing coach in the PNC and his captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu is closing in on 50 caps worth of experience. There is firepower from 1 to 15 with world class talents in Leone Narakawa, Peceli Yato, and Semi Radradra among others – the latter set to make his return from injury against Canada.

World Ranking: 9
Head Coach: John McKee (6th year)
Captain: Dominiko Waqaniburotu

Forwards: Campese Ma’afu (Leicester Tigers, UK), Eroni Mawi (Fijian Latui), Peni Ravai (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Joeli Veitayaki (Fijian Latui), Mesulame Dolokoto (Fijian Latui), Sam Matavesi (Cornish Pirates, UK), Veremalua Vugakoto (Fijian Latui), Lee-Roy Atalifo (Jersey Reds, UK), Manasa Saulo (London Irish, UK), Luke Tagi (Fijian Latui), Kali Tawake (Biarritz, FR), Tevita Cavubati (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Leone Nakarawa (Racing 92, FR), Api Ratuniyarawa (Northampton Saints, UK), Tevita Ratuva (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Albert Tuisue (London Irish, UK), Johnny Dyer (Fijian Latui), Semi Kunatani (Harlequins, UK), Viliame Mata (Edinburgh, UK), Nemani Nagusa (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Mosese Voka (Fijian Latui), Dominiko Waqaniburotu (capt., Brive, FR), Peceli Yato (Clermont Auvergne, FR)

Backs: Frank Lomani (Fijian Latui), Niko Matawalu (Glasgow Warriors, UK), Henry Seniloli (Doncaster Knights, UK), Serupepeli Vularika (Fijian Latui), Alivereti Veitokani (London Irish, UK), Ben Volavola (Racing 92, FR), Levani Botia (La Rochelle, FR), Sevanaia Galala (Brive, FR), Josh Matavesi (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Waisea Nayacalevu (Stade Français, FR), Semi Radradra (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Jale Vatubua (Pau, FR), Vereniki Goneva (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Filipo Nakosi (Toulon, FR), Patrick Osborne (Highlanders, NZ), Eroni Sau (Perpignan, FR), Josua Tuisova (Toulon, FR), Kini Murimurivalu (La Rochelle, FR), Setareki Tuicuvu (Clermont Auvergne, FR)

 

JAPAN

The Brave Blossoms are gearing up to host rugby’s premier tournament in September and feature a fully professional side though their paths to selection are not all aligned. Unlike Argentina, whose Jaguares form the basis of Los Pumas, less than half the side were regulars in Super Rugby with many first choice players – captain Michael Leitch included – left out of the competition to rest and train together separately. Whether this tactic pays off is yet to be seen.

Among their key players are experienced hooker Shota Horie, abrasive No8 Amanaki Mafi, and steady flyhalf Yu Tamura. It’s a mixed bag, however, of aged campaigners sprinkled with youthful vigor. One suspects they may not be as strong as their 2015 version.

World Ranking: 11
Head Coach: Jamie Joseph (4th year)
Captain: Michael Leitch

Fowards: Keita Inagaki (Panasonic Wild Knights), Shogo Miura (Toyota Verblitz), Shota Horie (Panasonic Wild Knights / Sunwolves), Kosuke Horikoshi (Suntory Sungoliath), Atsushi Sakate (Panasonic Wild Knights / Sunwolves), Yusuke Kizu (Toyota Verblitz), Asaeli Valu (Panasonic Wild Knights / Sunwolves), Uwe Helu (Yamaha Jubilo / Sunwolves), James Moore (Sanix Blues / Sunwolves), Luke Thompson (Kintetsu Liners / Sunwolves), Wimpie van der Walt (NTT Docomo Red Huricanes), Kazuki Himeno (Toyota Verblitz), Lappies Labuschagne (Kubota Spears), Michael Leitch (capt., Toshiba Brave Lupus), Amanaki Mafi (NTT Shining Arcs / Sunwolves), Shunsuke Nunomaki (Panasonic Wild Knights), Yoshitaka Tokunaga (Toshiba Brave Lupus / Sunwolves), Hendrik Tui (Suntory Sungoliath / Sunwolves)

Backs: Yutaka Nagare (Suntory Sungoliath), Kaito Shigeno (Toyota Verblitz / Sunwolves), Fumiaki Tanaka (Canon Eagles / Sunwolves), Rikiya Matsuda (Panasonic Wild Knights / Sunwolves), Yu Tamura (Canon Eagles / Sunwolves), Timothy Lafaele (Kobelco Steelers), Ryoto Nakamura (Suntory Sungoliath), Will Tupou (Coca-Cola Red Sparks), Kenki Fukuoka (Panasonic Wild Knights), Lomano Lemeki (Honda Heat), Ata’ata Moeakiola (Kobelco Steelers / Chiefs, NZ), Kotaro Matsushima (Suntory Sungoliath), Ryohei Yamanaka (Kobelco Steelers / Sunwolves)

 

SAMOA

Of all the entries, the Manu appear furthest away from first choice with several leading professionals absent and half of the squad either entirely new or inexperienced at test level. Though he wasn’t named to play in the tournament, they have been hit with the news that Joe Tekori has opted out of the World Cup and the withdrawal of Blues tighthead prop Hisa Sasagi due to injury. He is replaced by uncapped Counties Manukau loosehead Howard Sililoto with Logovi’i Mulipola now set to cover the No3 shirt.

Steve Jackson is the least experience coach in the competition and their on-field leadership is as of yet unsettled – with Bristol lock Chris Vui favored to captain though Bristol flanker Jack Lam is also an option. The proud Samoans have a difficult road ahead.

World Ranking: 16
Head Coach: Steve Jackson (2nd year)
Captain: tba

Forwards: James Lay (Bristol Bears, UK), Jordan Lay (Bristol Bears, UK), Howard Sililoto (Counties Manukau, NZ), Elia Elia (Harlequins, UK), Seilala Lam (Perpignan, FR), Motu Matu’u (London Irish, UK), Ray Niuia (Highlanders, NZ), Paul Alo-Emile (Stade Français, FR), Logovi’i Mulipola (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Alofa’aga Sao (Savai’i Vikings), Kane Leaupepe (Hurricanes, NZ), Filo Paulo (London Irish, UK), Senio Toleafoa (Nevers, FR), Chris Vui (Bristol Bears, UK), Afa Amosa (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Piula Fa’asalele (Toulouse, FR), Jack Lam (Bristol Bears, UK), Faifili Levave (La Rochelle, FR), Tofatu Solia (Southern Tornadoes), Henry Stowers (Western Force, AU)

Backs: Pele Cowley (Suburbs, NZ), Auvasa Faleali’i (Nevers, FR), Dwayne Polotaivao (Doncaster Knights, UK), AJ Alatimu (Western Force, AU), UJ Seuteni (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Kieron Fonotia (Scarlets, UK), Reynold Lee-Lo (Cardiff Blues, UK), Alapati Leiua (Bristol Bears, UK), Henry Taefu (Western Force, AU), JJ Taulagi (Mont-de-Marsan, FR), Belgium Tuatagaloa (RoVal Drôme, FR), Johnny Vaili (A’ana Chiefs), Ahsee Tuala (Northampton Saints, UK)

 

TONGA

In a slighter better position that Samoa are the Ikale Tahi, who hope to have Leicester duo Sione Kalamafoni and Telusa Veainu available for the World cup but can at least count on a fully professional front row group and welcome departing Hurricanes lock Sam Lousi to the fold. Nasi Manu makes an emotional return after missing the Guinness Pro 14 season while undergoing treatment for cancer, and France-based Mali Hingano has made himself available to boost the midfield options.

Former Wallabies stalwart Toutai Kefu continues to coach the side with his captain set to be unveiled – the decision likely between Newcastle scrumhalf Tane Takulua and Bristol center Siale Piutau. The Tongans are renowned for their physicality but perhaps lack a bit of star power without their biggest guns.

World Ranking: 13
Head Coach: Toutai Kefu (4th year)
Captain: tba

Forwards: Paea Fa’anunu (Castres, FR), Siegfried Fisi’ihoi (Stade Français, FR), Toma Taufa (Bayonne, FR), Paul Ngauamo (Agen, FR), Elvis Taione (Exeter Chiefs, UK), Sefo Sakalia (Asia Pacific Dragons, SG), Ma’afu Fia (Ospreys, UK), Siua Halanukonuka (Glasgow Warriors, UK), Ben Tameifuna (Racing 92), Leva Fifita (Grenoble, FR), Onehunga Havili (Exeter Chiefs, UK), Sam Lousi (Hurricanes, NZ), Steve Mafi (Castres, FR), Zane Kapeli (Bay of Plenty, NZ), Fotu Lokotui (Kagifa Samoa, WS), Nasi Manu (Benetton Treviso, IT), Sione Vailanu (Saracens, UK), Ma’ama Vaipulu (Castres, FR)

Backs: Sami Fisilau (Auckland Marist, NZ), Leon Fukofuka (Kagifa Samoa, WS), Tane Takulua (Newcastle Falcons, UK), James Faiva (El Salvador, SP), Latiume Fosita (Kagifa Samoa, WS), Mali Hingano (Stade Français, FR), Otumaka Mausia (Auckland, NZ), Siale Piutau (Bristol Bears, UK), Nafi Tuitavake (Northampton Saints, UK), Viliami Lolohea (Papatoetoe, NZ), Afa Pakalani (Eastwood, AU), Cooper Vuna (Bath, UK), Tevita Halaifonua (Coventry, UK)

 

USA

Major League Rugby has made a dramatic chance to American rugby. No longer are the Eagles also-runs – they offer a fully professional outfit with some of their top players posted in top European competitions. They will enjoy a home match against Canada before making their way to Fiji and are keen to make a statement ahead of the World Cup. Gary Gold has named an expanded group with competition. He will run the rule over returning hooker Mike Sosene-Feagai from Auckland and powerful loose forward Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz, a new addition from the Houston SaberCats.

Blaine Scully heads up the on-field leadership group as he creeps towards his half-century, with outstanding Sale Sharks flyhalf AJ MacGinty critical to success. They will be targeting a top-two finish having beaten Canada and Samoa in recent times.

World Ranking: 15
Head Coach: Gary Gold (2nd year)
Captain: Blaine Scully

Forwards: David Ainu’u (Toulouse, FR), Eric Fry (Vannes, FR), Olive Kilifi (Seattle Seawolves), Chance Wenglewski (Rugby United New York), Dylan Fawsitt (Rugby United New York), Mike Sosene-Feagai (Auckland, NZ), James Hilterbrand (Manly Marlins, AU), Kapeli Pifeleti (San Diego Legion), Joe Taufete’e (Worcester Warriors, UK), Titi Lamositele (Saracens, UK), Paul Mullen (Houston SaberCats), Paddy Ryan (Rugby United New York), Nate Brakeley (Rugby United New York), Nick Civetta (Doncaster Knights, UK), Ben Landry (Ealing Trailfinders, UK), Greg Peterson (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Malon Al-Jiboori (Glendale Raptors), Cam Dolan (NOLA Gold), Jamason Fa’anana-Schultz (Houston SaberCats), Hanco Germishuys (Glendale Raptors), Tony Lamborn (Melbourne Rebels, AU), Ben Pinkelman (USA Sevens), John Quill (Rugby United New York), Psalm Wooching (San Diego Legion)

Backs: Nate Augspurger (San Diego Legion), Shaun Davies (Glendale Raptors), Ruben de Haas (Free State Cheetahs, SA), AJ MacGinty (Sale Sharks, UK), Will Magie (Glendale Raptors), Bryce Campbell (London Irish, UK), Martin Iosefo (USA Sevens), Paul Lasike (Harlequins, UK), Thretton Palamo (Houston SaberCats), Marcel Brache (Western Force, AU), Gannon Moore (Utah Warriors), Blaine Scully (Cardiff Blues, UK), Mike Te’o (San Diego Legion), Will Hooley (Bedford Blues, UK), Madison Hughes (USA Sevens)