WHO TO WATCH FOR IN IRB RUGBY WORLD CUP SEVENS

The IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens is just two weeks away but is already obvious who the contenders and who the spoilers are in the race for sevens supremacy.

CONTENDERS:

England have been in contention for the IRB Sevens Series Cup in each of the first three legs of the competition. The Brits were just a try short of outpacing South Africa for the Dubai title but were able to capture the Plate in George against Portugal. England finally got the winning formula right when sevens star Ben Gollings converted on Isoa Damu’s try in the waning seconds of the final period to edge New Zealand on the latter’s home pitch. They came within one more try of beating Argentina for the title in San Diego after losing in the pool rounds to Samoa.

You can never count New Zealand out of the race. The Kiwi’s were the most talented and strongest delegation in each of the last four cups but alas, like their 15-a-side counterparts the All Blacks, the NZ Sevens squad often struggles with inconsistency and health making 2001 the only year that they were able to win the coveted Cup on the powerful legs of their inspirational leader Jonah Lomu. New Zealand has only shown spots of brilliance in this season’s Sevens Series but trust the Kiwi’s to come storming into the competition this time with a grudge.

Fiji has won two of the four previous cups but that was with guys like Waisale Serevi who has been divorced by the Fiji Rugby Union as player-coach due to irreconcilable differences in coaching philosophy. Fiji was at the top of the Sevens Series throughout all of last season going into the final stages neck-and-neck with New Zealand. It’s a new and unfamiliar era for Fiji as they struggle to find their identity on the backs of new young players. Despite the struggles, plan on Fiji playing a crucial part in the Cup.

South Africa is always a threat for their incredible pace and experience. They are physically imposing, faster than a lightning strike from top to bottom and they know what needs to be done to win. They have never won the Cup, but its only a matter of time and judging by the way that the ‘Boks have been competing in the Sevens Series since the last Cup, that time may have finally arrived.

PRETENDERS:

Samoa has been a program on the rise for roughly two decades and though they have shown flashes of brilliance, they have been relegated to the ‘has-beens’ heap again this year before the World Cup has even begun. Try-scoring machine Mikaele Pesamino was sorely missed in San Diego this year and even with the reemergence of Ofisa Treviranus and Lolo Lui, their inspirational captain Uale Mai can only do so much to keep the Samoans at the forefront of the sevens game. No one has high expectations for Samoa again this time around but they will still spoil the Cup for at least a few possible contenders.

The last time Australia was a heavyweight in the Cup was back in the inaugural tournament in 1993 when the Aussie’s were beaten in the final by England. Since then they have struggled to keep pace with the top teams in the tournament and in the Sevens Series they have even been sluggish against emerging nations like Kenya and Portugal. This may be their year to separate from the pack, especially since they have been pooled with Samoa, Portugal and Ireland.

DARK HORSES:

The United States have been very impressive this year and if they continue to fight above their rugby weight, they are going to be raining on someone’s Cup parade and after watching them stomp on South Africa in San Diego last weekend, their stock is ever increasing. They have been most remarkable on defense.

It didn’t take long for Kenya to become one of the new poster boys of sevens rugby. They have vastly improved with each season and opposing teams have found it difficult to deal with their length in the lineouts as wells as their pace in the open field. They are exciting to watch and every time they trot onto the pitch you can feel the electricity because you know they are going to push their opponent to the limit.

The IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens begins March 5^th and runs through March 7^th in Dubai, U.A.E. For more information about the tournament visit IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens.

NEW MANU SAMOA HEAD COACH

The Samoa Observer reported yesterday that on February 2nd, the Samoa Rugby Union hired Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua as the new coach of Manu Samoa. The announcement comes just two weeks after the former coach, Lepale Niko Palamo, was dumped from the top spot.

Pundits are already questioning the move to appoint a coach who has very little experience outside of his success at the helm of the Samoa Sevens team and his coaching resume in the local competition. Many feel that in order for the team to be competitive on the world stage, only a top-notch coach with international experience and whose resume might include a stint in the Super 14 might give the team a bit more credibility. But keep that argument in mind when the name Quddus Fielea comes up in conversations about who is fit to lead a national side.

Fie-Who? That's a common response outside of Ikale Tahi circles. Fielea was the guy who stepped in to lead Tonga to their most successful Rugby World Cup campaign to date. Coach Fielea's Tongan side embarrassed Manu Samoa, played neck-and-neck with England to the end and were just seconds away from stealing a victory from the eventual champions South Africa in a nail-biter.

International experience aside, there is something to be said about a coach with local ties who understands his players, what it takes to motivate them and when to play to their strengths and recognize their weaknesses. Being technically sound is just a fraction of what it takes to coach a competitive side and anyone who has played on a team, professional or otherwise will tell you that it is the ability of the coach to draw out the best in his players that makes the difference between winning and just going through the motions.

Manu Samoa is going to go through a lot of changes in philosophy, mentality and technicality. I'm hoping that Fuimaono is up to the challenge and having spoken to the guy during his time as coach of Samoa Sevens, I'm confident that he can light a fire under his new charges, whomever they turn out to be.

PACIFIC COACHING CAROUSEL

What in the world is happening to Pacific Island rugby? Just a year after the Samoa Rugby Union (SRU) announced that Tuala Lepale Niko Palamo was no longer the head coach of the Manu Samoa. No one was more surprised by that announcement than Palamo who felt that his sacking was based on "weak and unfounded" reasons. Palamo's assistants, Fepuleai Selefuti Patu and Paepae Stan Toomalatai were also given their walking papers. All three men have served their country's rugby team in several capacities throughout the past decade and beyond.

Its unknown what direction the SRU will take in hiring a new coach and there is mounting speculation that they will do their best to entice a coach with Super 14 and international experience. At the very least, they will be looking for a coach with experience on the domestic level in competitions like the Air New Zealand NPC.

In the wake of Palamo's surprise firing, Fiji has followed suit dismissing sevens wizard and IRB Sevens Series top points scorer Waisale Serevi. Serevi was at the helm for some of Fiji's most notable IRB Sevens campaigns and memorable victories but it appears that the FRU is finally fed up with Serevi's alleged insolence and blatant disregard for the FRU's policies and procedures.

As is the case in most firings, there those who are for and those who are against the FRU's decision to can their most decorated player-coach. Even Samoa's Sevens coach, Galumalemana 'Rudi' Moors expressed shock and disbelief in an interview with the Fiji Times.

and disgruntled fans are calling for the ouster of all FRU Board Members. Looks like this issue will be on the forefront of Fiji rugby news for quite some time, especially if new Fiji Sevens Head Coach Iliesa Tanivula does not duplicate the success and popularity of his predecessor.

HENRY'S THOUGHTS ON SAMOAN RUGBY

Graham Henry is definitely throwing caution to the wind in this article for RugbyHeaven but I like the way he thinks. We've all been saying it for decades now but NZRU or Australia will never budge on adding a Pacific Islander team to Super 14.

MAORI REPLACED IN PNC

Do you agree with the NZRU's decision to replace the NZ Maori with the Junior All Blacks in the Pacific Nations Cup? Sure, the JAB's won the 2006 and 2007 tournaments but the Maori did their country proud this year, even with Australia A added this season. Or is that the real reason behind the NZRU's move?

According to the report published by Stuff.co.nz, NZRU believes that their JAB's would be a much better fit for the competition because it gives their younger, second tier team an opportunity to prepare for a 1st grade representative role. My guess is that they just can't stomach a possible hiding by the Aussies, hence the move to bring a more evenly matched team (or what they think is a much stronger side) to represent them in the PNC. Hey losers! The Maori did just fine without your so-called 'non-Maori' players. Besides, most of the JAB's have some claim to Maori lineage anyway. Or are you afraid you'll lose the services of another Chris-Jack-in-the-making? Oh and if that was the motivation behind your decision, it back-fired because Australia A is out again! Make up your minds!

George Sevens Update

Surprising developments in the world of rugby today. Portugal and the USA have advanced to the quarter-finals of the South Africa (George) Sevens after some gutsy play from both sides. Portugal scored its first ever win against Samoa to lock their place in the cup rounds while South Africa narrowly escaped an upset by the USA. The two teams now join New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, England, South Africa and Argentina in the quarterfinals in South Africa, the second leg of the IRB Sevens Series.
(Inset: NZ's Julian Savea, Oriental Rongotai)

So. Africa Conquers Dubai

New Zealand have been the team to beat for years now in Dubai, but it appears that the Kiwi's and Fiji will have to keep an eye on England and South Africa in this year's IRB Sevens Series. South Africa hoisted the Dubai Sevens hardware after a thrilling 19-12 victory over England. Its a big boost for the Boks who now move on to their home turf in George with the momentum.

New Zealand and Fiji lost out on their chance for the cup with the Kiwis bowing out to England (19-21) and Fiji losing the eventual victors South Africa, 7-10.

Samoa beat Kenya, an increasingly deadly foe to win the Plate final 12-7.

Day One - IRB Sevens Series: Dubai

The power teams of the IRB Sevens Series topped their respective pools Day One of the Dubai Sevens competition with New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa, England, Kenya, Australia, Fiji and Argentina all through to the quarterfinals.

Fijian born Isoa Damu is spearheading England's attack but will be up against the 2007-08 Champions NZ who bring back another very experienced team led by IRB Sevens Player of the Year DJ Forbes. Samoa got a scare from France, but are through to the quarterfinals, topping Pool C. Samoa will face Fiji who fell in their first match of the day to England, 5-28.

Another IRB Sevens Series

Samoa have named an experienced side for the 2008-09 IRB Sevens Series opener in Dubai. Captain Uale Mai is back along with one of the best finishers in the sevens game, Mikaele Pesamino.

Fiji and the United States who were recently added as one of the core teams for this seasons competition after their gutty performances in the 2007-08 series have named their training squads for the event as well. They welcome back their field general, Waisale Serevi but will be without the services of playmaker William Ryder in Dubai. Ryder is currently playing professionally in Japan for Toyota-Verblitz. Fijian Jone Naqica and Tui Osborne are back for the US. Captain Todd Clever is on tour with the USA Eagles so coach Al Caravelli is blooding new players in Dubai.

Gordon Tietjens' NZ Training Squad is once again packed with experience and talent. They are the dominant force in the IRB Sevens Series and look to run the tables again in 2008-09. DJ Forbes, Solomon King and Tomasi Cama are natural finishers and will be the seasoned veterans on the squad but Edwin Cocker and Nigel Hunt are nursing injuries after their country's domestic season.

Teams for Duabi Sevens:
Arabian Gulf, Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Georgia, Kenya, New Zealand, Portugal, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, USA, Wales, Zimbabwe

Rugby Shorts

How many times are we going to hear the same tired story from New Zealand and Australia in both rugby codes? Samoa's rugby league coach John Ackland is the latest in a string of high profile coaches to step up and ask the rugby elite not to turn a blind eye to the state of island footy. Read his comments here.

Now their talking about creating a Quad-Nations tournament involving Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Tonga in 2010. That's all fine except our teams will still be excluded from playing top level competition because Australia and New Zealand will still be involved in the Tri-Nations between England. Another brilliant idea to keep the poor from feeding at the table of the rich.

Meanwhile, Fiji is the only pacific nation left in the Rugby League World Cup. Joe Rabele's boys will face the might of Australia in the semi-finals and although the Fijian's are expected to crumble under the Aussie pressure, you can rest assured that Fiji will throw everything that have at Australia from the opening whistle until full-time. GOOD LUCK FIJI!

New Zealand played to a 32-22 victory over England in the other Semi-Final to setup what will most likely be a decider between the Kiwis and the Aussies.

In Union news, the Pacific Islanders fell hard once again, this time in a 42-17 spanking at the hands of the French. and the All Blacks are getting set for a friendly on November 18, against Munster in the Zurich Challenge, which fields three former NZ internationals in Lefeimi Mafi, Doug Howlett and Rua Tipoki.

League and Union Notes

After being lambasted by a new look English side (39-13) this weekend, the Pacific Islanders coached by Quddus Fielea of Tonga, move on to face France on November 15. These Pacific Islanders were absolutely put on their hind quarters by England from the opening whistle and I'm hoping that they will approve against the French who are currently ranked 7th by the IRB.

On paper, this Pacific Islanders squad has the talent to beat any team on the planet. Unfortunately, just like their own home sides and any Barbarians side, its hard for a new team to mesh and conquer the big names in rugby in a two-three week span. I'm trying to be optimistic in saying that the boys and the management have learned their lessons in the build up to France but even hard-core lovers of PI rugby have a hard time staying on the bandwagon when the wheels aren't getting enough grease.

Pacific Islanders 2008
Kas Lealamanua, Kisi Pulu, Census Johnston, Justin Vaa, Sunia Koto, Aleki Lutui, Paino Hehea, Kele Leawere, Hale T Pole, Filipo Levi, Nili Latu, Semisi Naevo, Viliami Vaki, George Stowers, Sisa Koyamaibole, Finau Maka, Mosese Rauluni (C), Sililo Martens, Seremaia Bai, Pierre Hola, Vilimoni Delasau, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Seilala Mapusua, Seru Rabeni, Kameli Ratuvou, Epi Taione, Sereli Bobo, Gavin Williams

Speaking of optimism, Samoa ended their disappointing Rugby League World Cup campaign with a 42-10 win against France.

The only remaining PI team in the competition are Fiji Bati who will take on Ireland in a semi-final match.

And, the USA Eagles dominated Uruguay in a world cup qualifier in Salt Lake City yesterday.

USA Eagles 1. Mike MacDonald; 2. Mark Crick; 3. Matekitonga Moeakiola (Shawn Pittman); 4. Hayden Smith; 5. John VanderGiessen (Alec Parker); 6. Inaki Basauri (J.J. Gagiano); 7. Todd Clever; 8. Pat Quinn; 9. Mike Petri (Chad Erskine); 10. Mike Hercus (Valenese Malifa); 11. Gavin DeBartolo; 12. Junior Sifa (Salesi Sika); 13. Paul Emerick; 14. Takudzwa Ngwenya; 15. Chris Wyles (Saracens).

Samoa Ravaged by Wolves

NZ Herald: Samoa lived up to the same reputation shared by their union brothers as they choked in a critical match against underdog Ireland. I wish I could be a little more optimistic at this juncture but it appears that Samoa will always be the doormat that the rest of the world crosses to play under the bright lights of world dominance! Bring on 2012 and another World Cup disaster. On the bright side, you don't have to be a fortune teller to know what's going to happen in four years time.

Changes for Samoa Cup Squad

Samoa prop Kylie Leuluai has accepted a one-game suspension as a result of his dangerous tackle of Tonga's Fetuli Talanoa in the Rugby League World Cup last weekend. Leuluai will miss Samoa's pool match against the Irish Wolfhounds but it will give a chance for powerful young forward Wayne McDade to showcase his abilities for Samoa. The only other change for Samoa will be Misi Taulapapa who will replace Alby Talipeau.

Skysports.com provided the following preview of the Toa Samoa vs. Wolfhounds encounter and everyone is talking about the boys from the Pacific, the Kangaroos embarrass the Brits while the Kiwis put the hurt on PNG.

Polynesia Shines on World Stage

A fiercely contested match between Samoa and Tonga ended with Samoa limping away with the victory. The match between the two rivals has already been hailed as the most entertaining thus far in RLWC 2008.

Samoa blew a 10-0 lead after talented young Michael Jennings got his hands on the ball. There was as was expected a good deal of ill-discipline on both sides, but the game ended without any major distractions to sully the otherwise exciting display of Pacific Island passion on the pitch.

Meanwhile, two of Samoans Rugby League World Cup stars could miss a crucial qualifying match against Ireland. Huddersfield Giants hooker David Faiumu is due in court for an alleged assault from a year ago. Samoa's Kylie Leuluai's show of unsportmanship will put him on the bench against Ireland while Tonga will most likely be without the services of Etu Uaisele after being cited.

With both teams displaying very crisp and world class skills, the Pacific is already sounding the cry for more quality tests.

Tevita Leo-Latu was brilliant again for Tonga while the ageless Nigel Vagana who scored a try for Samoa was inspirational as he rallied his troops against a tireless and very talented Tongan squad.

Tonga's fate is now in Ireland's hands as the Wolfhounds will attempt to derail the Samoan train.

Verbal jabs held to a minimum

Samoa and Tonga want to keep a lid on the trash-talking and prefer to let their play on the pitch do the talking.

Call In Reinforcements!

Have we really earned this reputation? Have we digressed so far from our cultural decency and social etiquette that we can’t play a game, any game, without having a legion of police officers on hand to mediate disputes and to quell the violence? Are we still so far at odds that, centuries after the conflict was settled between your grandma and my grandma sitting by the war bonfire, we still hold grudges and are deadlocked in a pissing contest that no one is ever going to win?

Here’s the truth from where I stand. Samoans and Tongans are stuck in a sibling rivalry that is fueled by the one thing that we are most noted for – our competitiveness. Now throw into that mix a few ‘battles’ on the fields of play. Mix in a bit of off-handed media commentary about age-old rivalries, a dash of stubborn chieftains with loose lips, a squirt of gasoline to ignite the flames between the warring factions and you’ve got yourself a good old fashion backyard barbecue, complete with uncles slapping each other around and aunts wielding high heels yelling obscenities and scratching each others eyes out. Just like at Cousin Junior’s wedding last summer.

Its reminiscent of that wonderful rivalry between the Irish Catholics and their Irish Protestant neighbors. Not to be lost in the fray are the longtime pleasantries exchanged between those wonderful cousins the Pakistani’s and the Indian’s. And of course there is that matter that just can’t seem to end between Israel and the rest of the Middle East.

Okay, so its not quite as severe but you have to wonder what exactly it we’re still having disputes over after all these years. I mean, half of my very best Tongan friends are married to Samoan women and several of my Samoan cousins are married to Tongan males. Then there is the matter of my own family tree that shows a very strong Tongan bloodline on my maternal grandmother’s side. Oh yeah, my sister is also married to a guy with very strong Tongan ties and at one time my youngest sister was married to a half-Tongan kid, until they had a dispute.

Don’t get me wrong, I think rivalries in sports are healthy because it is what makes competitions exciting. But it is the bad taste in your mouth that lingers for days after players and fans take the rivalries too far. Sportsmanship is just as important as competitiveness because it allows us to show class and dignity in the face of adversity. In any game there has to be a victor and a loser and sometimes there are even losers on the winning side.

I love watching Tongan and Samoan international sides go at each other for an hour like their lives were at stake. But more than that, I enjoy watching the players congratulate each other, pat one another on the back, shake hands and walk away friends. And everyone in the bleachers should reciprocate. Let the players represent your country with vigor and leave the trash-talk and violence on ice.