DIGICEL Pacific Islanders

16 NOVEMBER 2006

Digicel Pacific Islanders head coach Pat Lam has selected Rupeni Caucau into the side for Saturday’s Test match versus Scotland at Murrayfield.

Lam had a squad of twenty eight to choose from following the withdrawal of Census Johnston (broken finger) and Sailosi Tagicakibau (strained hamstring). No replacements have been called for.

Rupeni slots into a backline brim full of exciting runners whilst the forwards have changed in a number of positions from the Test against Wales which the Pacific Islanders lost 38-20.

Epi Taione is brought into Number 8 and Viliami Vaki comes into the second row whilst massive prop Taufa’ao Felise replaces Justin Va’a.

“We have rotated the team in an attempt to give as many players as possible the experience of playing Test match rugby for the Digicel Pacific Islanders.

“Having Rupeni in the side is obviously a big plus in light of his good record versus Scotland but this team is about much more than one man.

“Shane and I are hoping we start where we left off in the second half against Wales.”

The Digicel Pacific Islanders had a rest day yesterday (Wednesday) with a highly competitive game of ten pin bowling followed by a visit to some of the sights of the historic city of Edinburgh.

They resume training on Thursday and visit Murrayfield for the first time with the Captain’s Run on Friday.

The full team is as follows:

Digicel Pacific Islanders v Scotland Murrayfield 18 November 2006

Taufa’ao Felise (Cardiff Blues, Wales) Tonga
Mahonri Schwalger (Wellington, NZ) Samoa
Tevita Taumoepeau (Worcester, England) Tonga
Simon Raiwalui (Saracens, England) Fiji (captain)
Daniel Leo (Wasps, England) Samoa
Viliami Vaki (Perpignan, France) Tonga
Nili Latu (Bay of Plenty) Tonga
Epi Taione (Sanyo, Japan) Tonga
Moses Rauluni (Saracens, England) Fiji
Tusi Pisi (Massey, NZ) Samoa
Rupeni Caucau (Agen, France) Fiji
Elvis Seveali’i (Sale, England) Samoa
Kameli Ratuvou (Saracens, England) Fiji
Lome Fa’atau (Wellington, NZ) Samoa
Norman Ligairi (Brive Correze, France) Fiji

Reserves to named from the following squad members:

16. Aleki Lutui (Worcester, England) Tonga

17. Justin Va’a (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) Samoa

18. Ma’ama Molitika (IBM, Japan) Tonga

19. Semo Sititi (NTT Docomo Kansai, Japan) Samoa
20. Junior Poluleuligaga (North Harbour, NZ) Samoa
21. Seremaia Bai (Clermont, France) Fiji

22. Seru Rabeni (Leicester, England) Fiji

Other Squad Members:

Isoa Domolailai (Toulon, France) Fiji

Aca Ratuva (Massy Essonne, France) Fiji

Seilala Mapasua (London Irish, England) Samoa
Hale T-Pole (Southland, NZ) Tonga

Alesana Tuilagi (Leicester, England) Samoa
Josh Taumalolo (Bristol, England) Tonga

Head coach Pat Lam
Assistant coach, backs Shane Howarth
Assistant coach, scrum Mike Casey
Team manager Joe Browne
Logistics manager Jo-Anne Ashby

Media manager Dave Arthur
Doctor Dr. Ben Matalavea
Physio Cathy Wong
Masseur Simione Kuruvoli
Trainer Paul Davies
Video analyst Marcus Agnew