Press
release November 18. 2008
Sports
Hydrant Pacific Islanders determined to atone in Italy
The
Sports Hydrant Pacific islanders have moved base to Italy to prepare
for Saturday’s Test.
Despite suffering another defeat, everybody connected with the squad
is upbeat and has vowed to channel their wholehearted efforts into
defeating Italy and recording a first victory for the Pacific Islanders.
Head coach Quddus Fielea was philosophical following
the 42-17 defeat against France:
“It
was only towards the end of the game that exhaustion got the better
of us and we let in a couple of tries
.
The sending off of Nalaga obviously effected the
game immensely however the boys played well in large patches."
Forwards
coach Peter Fatialofa was equally upbeat:
“We
have played some great rugby but we have not been finishing it off.
We had our chances but didn’t take them.
There is absolutely no reason we cannot beat Italy on Saturday.
However, this is Test match rugby and it will be a stern test, all
the more so as Italy have also lost their two games this series."
Marc
Lievremont, the French coach, complimented
the PIs on their performance:
“The
Pacific Islanders have really great players and it is great to see
them here.
The try was a great reward for them and the great game they offered”.
In other
news, Napolioni Nalaga will appear before a specially
convened IRB disciplinary panel on Tuesday.
Census Johnston has returned to New Zealand for
personal reasons, and will be replaced in due course.
The
Sports Hydrant Pacific Islanders play Italy on Saturday 22 November
(Italian time) in the picturesque town of Regio Emillio.
It is the first time a rugby union international has been played
at the ground.
