DIGICEL Pacific Islanders

Media Release

Sunday 26 November 2006

Pacific Islanders defeated by Ireland

The Digicel Pacific Islanders had a disappointing 61 - 17 loss to a rampaging Ireland line-up at Lansdowne Road yesterday. It was a glittering farewell to the ground that will be redeveloped from next year but it was the Irish who contributed most to the send off.

At the post game press conference the Digicel Pacific Islanders Head Coach Pat Lam was far from dispondent with his men:

“I was disappointed with the final result – we got off to a pretty rocky start and the two tries before half time really knocked us.

“The boys never gave in and kept trying to play rugby which is a credit to them”.

Captain Simon Raiwalui echoed Lam’s sentiments:

“The second half was a bridge too far - we gave away little penalties and the like - Ireland dominated the second half”.

Further Quotes

On the game

Lam

“The boys are disappointed – they’ve had a couple of songs and have had a prayer but then you move on- that is the beauty of rugby

On the Tour

Lam

"The challenge of bringing everyone together ... is a big one.

“It has been a pretty tough three weeks but a very enjoyable three weeks

“Preparation is the key -there is huge pressure for players to be with their clubs – the warm up games were crucial

“We are playing different types of rugby and this is different from what they have to do – that is why you need the time

On the Tour as a whole

Lam

“Hopefully the next tour will see us win.

"I think really if you're going play Tier One you've got to prepare like Tier One teams”.

Raiwalui

“It’s been a great event and I am proud to have been involved in it – it is the greatest honour as a Pacific Islander.

“We have that common bond between Pacific Islanders – it’s been a privelege to be able to tour”.

Howarth

“It is a concept that has to be kept alive – it can only benefit the Pacific Island sides – the concept has to stay”.

On Ireland

Lam

“They are a good XV playing very good rugby at the moment.

“They’re a very good side, probably the second-best team in the world at the moment - they are far superior

“They must be favourites for the Six Nations and, going into the World Cup, they’re in a very good place at the moment.”

Raiwalui

“They showed us a lot about teamwork”.