2008 Pacific Islanders rugby union tour of Europe

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.

2008 Pacific Islanders rugby union tour of Europe
Summary
P W D L
Total
03 01 00 02
Test match
03 01 00 02
Opponent
P W D L
 England
1 0 0 1
 France
1 0 0 1
 Italy
1 1 0 0

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 as has been defined under WR eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-WR nationality.

Player Position Union
Tani Fuga Hooker Samoa
Sunia Koto Hooker Fiji
Aleki Lutui Hooker Tonga
Tonga Lea'aetoa 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 Tonga'uiha. However Bobo became unavailable, and Tonga'uiha later 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)		 Report Tries Rabeni
Con: Hola
Pen: Hola, Bai
Cards: Semisi Naevo 75' to 80'
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)		 Report Tries:Taione
Pen: Bai (4)
Cards: Napolini Vonowale-Nalaga  18'
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'		 Report Tries: 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
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