Pacific Islanders
Media Release

Thursday November 9 2006


Lam names strongest possible squad for opening Test versus Wales

The Digicel Pacific Islanders team for Saturday’s Test v Wales was named today by Head Coach Pat Lam. Lam declared himself extremely happy with his team declaring:

“This is the best possible starting line up, myself and the rest of the coaching staff have great faith in this team’s ability to be highly competitive in all facets of play”.

“Of course it would be great to have Rupeni in the run on side but this squad has enormous strength in depth”.

Captain of the Digicel Pacific Islanders Simon Raiwalui felt his team was definitely the underdog going into Saturday’s Test match.

“We have enormous respect for the Welsh as wherever possible they play the game in a similar fast, physical and entertaining manner”

“Despite the many changes they have named a strong lineup which will provide many challenges for us in key areas”

Backs coach Shane Howarth, a former Welsh international said the interest from the Pacific Islands had been phenomenal:

“We have been truly humbled by the many faxes and emails of support from Tonga, Fiji and Samoa”.

“The messages are posted inside the team room and eagerly awaited by the guys – keep them coming please!”

Last words lay with Raiwalui who will lead his team onto the Milleneum Stadium

“This is an historic day for Pacific Island rugby - these guys will carry this honour with them for the rest of their lives”

Digicel Pacific Islanders v Wales Millenium Stadium 11 November 2006

Starting XV

1. Justin Va’a (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) Samoa
2. Mahonri Schwalger (Wellington, NZ) Samoa
3. Tevita Taumoepeau (Worcester, England) Tonga
4. Simon Raiwalui (Saracens, England) Fiji (captain)
5. Daniel Leo (Wasps, England) Samoa
6. Semo Sititi (NTT Docomo Kansai, Japan) Samoa
7. Nili Latu (Bay of Plenty) Tonga
8. Hale T-Pole (Southland, NZ) Tonga
9. Moses Rauluni (Saracens, England) Fiji
10. Tusi Pisi (Massey, NZ) Samoa
11. Sailosi Tagicakibau (London Irish, England) Samoa
12. Seilala Mapasua (London Irish, England) Samoa
13. Seru Rabeni (Leicester, England) Fiji
14. Lome Fa’atau (Wellington, NZ) Samoa
15. Norman Ligairi (Brive Correze, France) Fiji

Reserves

16. Aleki Lutui (Worcester, England) Tonga
17. Census Johnson (Taranaki, NZ) Samoa
18. Ma’ama Molitika (IBM, Japan) Tonga
19. Epi Taione (Sanyo, Japan) Tonga
20. Junior Poluleuligaga (North Harbour, NZ) Samoa
21. Seremaia Bai (Clermont, France) Fiji
22. Kameli Ratuvou (Saracens, England) Fiji

Other Squad Members

Rupeni Caucau (Agen, France) Fiji
Isoa Domolailai (Toulon, France) Fiji
Taufa’ao Felise (Cardiff Blues, Wales) Tonga
Aca Ratuva (Massy Essonne, France) Fiji
Elvis Seveali’i (Sale, England) Samoa
Josh Taumalolo (Bristol, England) Tonga
Alesana Tuilagi (Leicester, England) Samoa
Viliami Vaki (Perpignan, France) Tonga

Staff

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