DIGICEL Pacific Islanders

Media Release

Sunday 12 November 2006

Pacific Islanders pleased with effort against Wales and will get stronger

The Digicel Pacific Islanders had a disappointing 38-20 loss to a strong Welsh line-up on Saturday at the Millennium Stadium. However at the post game press conference the Digicel Pacific Islanders Head Coach Pat Lam indicated he was happy with the performance of his charges:

“We got off to a bad start and looked like a team that had just come together. We struggled at the line out and turned a lot of ball over.

“The boys clawed their way back into the game when we managed to hold onto the ball.

“We played outstandingly in the second half and the area I was really pleased with was at the end when we defended our line.

“All credit to Wales they scored some great tries.

“We are pleased with the effort but disappointed for the loss and the points that we gave away but we realise we will get stronger next week for the Scotland game”.

Digicel Pacific Islanders captain Simon Raiwalui was similarly optimistic feeling his team improved dramatically as the game went on:

“The boys solved the puzzle as we went along. You can’t give a quality side like Wales two or three easy tries and expect to win the game - Wales came to play rugby, we came to play rugby

“It’s a mark of the spirit in the squad from the management down to the thirtieth player - it’s been a really good week and it will only get better”.

In other news there were two injuries reported. Reserve prop Census Johnson finished the game but x rays revealed a broken finger and split tendon. Johnson has been released but no replacement has been sought. Sailosi Tagicakibau, who was substituted in the first half with a strained hamstring is undergoing treatment and a decision on his future will be made in the next 48 hours.

The Digicel Pacific Islanders have now moved camp to Edinburgh where they play Scotland at Murrayfield on 18 November before playing Ireland at Landsdowne Road on Sunday 26 November.