RUGBY IN JAPAN (RiJ)

Vol.7, No.25

By Ian MacDonnell contact ianmcdo@apost.plala.or.jp

Contents:

¡ ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2010 – Japan 31 d Samoa 23

¡ Samoa, Tonga at PNC

¡ Odds & Sods:

s IRB Ranking: 13 (70.59, 7 June 2010)

s The Think-tank:

¡ Looking Ahead:

s The Endless Possibilities for November

ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2010

June 2010

Now in its fifth year, the International Rugby Board (IRB) funded ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2010 involves the three island nations Fiji, Samoa and Tonga along with Japan. New Zealand and Australia have not committed teams for 2010.

In 2006 this tournament kicked off as the Pacific Five Nations and involved Fiji, Japan, the Junior All Blacks (JAB), Samoa and Tonga. Australia A joined the competition in 2007 and the tournament name changed to its present moniker of Pacific Nations Cup. The same format was maintained for 2008 with the exception being the Maori were the New Zealand representative side rather than the Junior All Blacks.

In 2009, the Junior All Blacks (JAB) replaced the Maori as the New Zealand representative team, while Australia A did not participate in last year’s tournament. The 2009 tournament was condensed with the majority of the games played in Fiji rather than the home and away format of the three previous years. Also in 2009, ANZ (Australia and New Zealand Banking Group) came on board as the presenting sponsor for the tournament.

This year, Fiji, Japan, Samoa and Tonga will take part in the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2010. Except for the opening game between Fiji and Japan at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji, Samoa and the Samoan Rugby Union will host the 2010 competition with the remaining five games slated for Apia Park in the capital city of Apia. With the tournament again largely being hosted in one country, refereeing and coaching workshops along with junior rugby clinics are planned for the two week duration of the event. This is also the first time for Samoa to host a major international 15-a-side rugby tournament. The occasion is also a fillip for Samoa after the 2009 Samoa Earthquake, an 8.1M submarine earthquake and resulting tsunami struck the area on 29 September causing significant damage and loss of life across the region.

Previous Winners

The New Zealand representative sides have won all four previous titles.

2009: The Junior All Blacks. The JAB again took the PNC title undefeated on 19 points. Fiji were runner-up on 14 points followed by Samoa on 12 points, while Japan finished fourth on 6 points with one win and three losses. Tonga took the wooden spoon on one point.

2008: The New Zealand Maori. The Maori took the PNC title undefeated with 21 points when they beat Australia A 21-18 in the final game in Sydney. Australia A finished runner-up on 20 points. Japan finished fifth on 7 points with one win and four losses.

2007: The Junior All Blacks. The JAB took the PNC title undefeated with 25 points garnering maximum points in each game. Australia A finished a distant runner-up on 16 points after they lost to the JAB and drew with Fiji. Japan finished last on 4 points with one win and four losses.

2006: The Junior All Blacks. The JAB took the P5N title undefeated with 20 points with maximum points in each game. Japan finished last on 0 points with four losses.

ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2010 Schedule and Results

Round	Date	Teams	Venue	Kick-off
Round 1	Saturday, 12 June 2010	Samoa 24 (3Ts) d Tonga 23 (2Ts)	Apia Park, Apia	15:10
		Fiji 22 (3Ts) d Japan 8 (1T)	Churchill Park, Lautoka	15:10
Round 2	Saturday, 19 June 2010	Fiji 41 (5Ts) d Tonga 38 (5Ts)	Apia Park, Apia	13:10
		Japan 31 (3Ts) d Samoa 23 (3Ts)	Apia Park, Apia	15:40
Round 3	Saturday, 26 June 2010	Fiji v Samoa	Apia Park, Apia	13:10
		Japan v Tonga	Apia Park, Apia	16:10

ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2010 Table

Team	P	W	L	F	A	+/-	BP1	BP2	Pts
Fiji	2	2	0	63	46	17	1	-	9
Japan	2	1	1	39	45	-6	-	-	4
Samoa	2	1	1	47	54	-7	-	-	4
Tonga	2	0	2	61	65	-4	1	2	3

Round 2

Japan 31 d Samoa 23

Japan 31 – Tries: Ryan Nicholas 2 and Hirotoki Onozawa; Conversions: James Arlidge 2; Penalties: Arlidge 3; Drop Goal: Arlidge d.

Samoa 23 – Tries: George Stowers, Mikaele Pesamino and Joe Tekori; Conversion: Lolo Lui; Penalties: Lolo Lui 2.

Date: Saturday, 19 June 2010.

Venue: Apia Park, Apia, Samoa.

Japan Test Number: 257.

Kick-off: 3:40 PM (local Samoa time). (11:40 AM on Sunday, 20 June Japan time. I.E.: Japan in 20 hours ahead of Apia)

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England).

Conditions: Fine, hot and humid. Firm ground.

Attendance: 6,000.

Halftime: Japan 25 – Samoa 6.

Yellow Card: Naoki Kawamata (Japan No.1, 14 min 2H, repeated team infringements).

Previous Encounters:

Prior to this test, Japan and Samoa have met on nine occasions dating back to 1990. Samoa have won eight and Japan one.

Samoa 34 – Japan 15, 18 June 2009, Sigatoka, 4^th PNC.

Samoa 37 – Japan 31, 5 July 2008, Apia, 3^rd PNC.

Japan 3 – Samoa 13, 16 June 2007, Sendai, 2^nd Pacific Nations Cup (PNC).

Samoa 53 – Japan 9, 17 June 2006, New Plymouth, Pacific Five Nations (P5N).

Japan 8 – Samoa 47, 4 July 2001, Tokyo, 6^th PRC.

Samoa 68 – Japan 9, 10 June 2000, Apia, 5^th PRC.

Samoa 43 – Japan 9, 3 October 1999, Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, 4^th Rugby World Cup (RWC).

Japan 37 – Samoa 34, 22 May 1999, Hanazono, Osaka, 4^th Pacific Rim Championship (PRC).

Japan 11 – Western Samoa 37, 15 April 1990, Chichibu, Tokyo (1991 RWC qualifier).

NB: the Pacific Five Nations evolved into the Pacific Nations Cup and so 2007 can be considered the second year of the Pacific Nations Cup.

Japan (IRB rank 13 (70.42), at 14 June 2010)

Pos.	Name	Club	Age	Hgt/Wgt	Caps
1	Naoki KAWAMATA	Sanyo Wild Knights	24	184/118	8
2	Shota HORIE	Sanyo Wild Knights	24	180/104	7
3	Kensuke HATAKEYAMA	Suntory Sungoliath	24	178/122	13
4	Hitoshi ONO	Toshiba Brave Lupus	32	192/105	42
5	Toshizumi KITAGAWA	Toyota Verblitz	29	195/110	30
6	Takashi KIKUTANI (c)	Toyota Verblitz	30	187/100	32
7	Toetu’u TAUFA	Kintetsu Liners	29	183/108	15
8	Koliniasi Ryu HOLANI	Sanyo Wild Knights	28	188/111	11
9	Fumiaki TANAKA	Sanyo Wild Knights	25	166/75	19
10	James ARLIDGE	Newport Dragons (Wales)	30	187/93	22
11	Alisi TUPUAILEI	Canon Eagles	29	187/116	8
12	Ryan NICHOLAS	Suntory Sungoliath	31	192/100	22
13	Hirotoki ONOZAWA	Suntory Sungoliath	32	180/87	56
14	Kosuke ENDO	Toyota Verblitz	29	186/90	31
15	Kaoru MATSUSHITA	Toyota Verblitz	26	185/86	6
16	Hiroki YUHARA	Toshiba Brave Lupus	26	173/105	4
17	Hisateru HIRASHIMA	Kobe Steelers	27	180/115	16
18	Luke THOMPSON	Kintetsu Liners	29	195/108	24
19	Sione VATUVEI	Sanyo Wild Knights	27	189/100	4
20	Tomoki YOSHIDA	Toshiba Brave Lupus	28	172/78	23
21	Shaun WEBB	Coca-Cola Red Sparks	28	180/90	21
22	Ryo KANAZAWA	Ricoh Black Rams	28	174/86	2

Head Coach: John Kirwan (NZ). (39 tests as head coach, for 22 wins, a draw and 16 losses.)

Subs

16 Not used.

17 subbed 1, 14 min 2H as sinbin replacement, subbed No.1, 24 min 2H.

18 subbed 5, 19 min 2H.

19 subbed 7, 26 min 2H.

20 subbed 9, 24 min 2H.

21 subbed 15, 25 min 2H.

22 subbed 13, 32 min 2H.

Samoa (IRB rank 12 (72.39), at 14 June 2010)

	Name	Club	Age	Hgt/Wgt
1	James Afoa	North Harbour, NZ	29	198/110
2	Mahonri Schwalger (c)	Sale, Eng.	31	180/106
3	Anthony Perenise	Hurricanes, NZ	27	182/118
4	Filipo Levi	Newcastle, Eng.	30	196/116
5	Pelu Taele	Biarritz Olympique, Fra.	29	198/114
6	Joe Tekori	Castres Olympique, Fra.	26	192/123
7	Falemiga Selesele	Moata’a, Samoa	21	160/90
8	George Stowers (vc)	London Irish, Eng.	31	201/131
9	Junior Poluleuligaga	Chiefs, NZ	29	183/92
10	Lolo Lui	Moata’a, Samoa	28	186/86
11	David Lemi	Wasps, Eng.	28	168/86
12	Jamie Helleur	CDUL, Portugal	26	176/92
13	Gavin Williams	Dax, Fra.	30	187/98
14	Mikaele Pesamino	Vailele, Samoa	26	193/89
15	Paul Williams	Blues, NZ	27	193/103
	Sakaria Taulafo	Wasps, Eng.	27	183/122
16	Andrew Williams	Marist, Samoa	24	184/103
17	Census Johnstone	Stade Toulousain, Fra.	29	190/135
18	Ofisa Treviranus	Malie, Samoa	28	190/108
19	Alafoti Faosilivia	Afega, Samoa	24	192/104
20	Uale Mai	Marist, Samoa	31	179/79
21	Joshua Keil	Warringah, Aus.	28	183/90
22	Reupena Levasa	Vailele, Samoa	27	185/89

Head Coach: Fuimaono Tafua.

Subs

16 subbed 2, 35 min 2H.

17 subbed 1, 0 min 2H.

18 subbed 5, 0 min 2H.

19 subbed 7, 25 min 2H.

20 subbed 9, 0 min 2H.

21 subbed 12, 31 min 2H.

22 subbed 13, 0 min 2H.

NB: Cap counts for Samoa are not included as no reliable information is available.

Preview

Last year Samoa defeated Japan 34-15 on neutral territory in Sigatoka, Fiji while in 2008, Samoa defeated a resilient Japan 37-31 in Apia in round 5 after the scores were locked at 17-all at halftime. In 2007, Samoa beat Japan 13-3 in Sendai in north-eastern Japan while in 2006, Samoa had the better of Japan 53-9 in New Plymouth in New Zealand. Over the previous four years of this tournament Japan have gradually been getting closer to their second win over Samoa since these two sides first met in Tokyo in 1990 but with this test to be played in Apia John Kirwan’s side will have to be right on top of their game if they are to come away with the points.

It is just over twenty years ago that Japan and Samoa first met in an international test match and over the years Samoa have managed to win eight of the nine games played. The one and only win for Japan came at the Hanazono ground in Osaka in May 1999 when they beat the Samoans 37-34 with a try in injury time on the way to taking out the Pacific Rim Championship title that year with four wins and the one loss to Fiji. The Japan side that year was coached by Seiji Hirao and captained by Andrew McCormick and also contained the likes of Jamie Joseph, Graeme Bachop, Yukio Motoki and Keiji Hirose while Samoa was under the guidance of head coach former All Black Bryan Williams and captained by Pat Lam in a side that included Brian Lima, Trevor Leota, Inga Tuigamala and Graeme Bachop’s brother Steven.

In this current Japan squad there is no one who has experienced a win over Samoa as even 55-test veteran wing Hirotoki Onozawa did not make his debut until 2001, two years after McCormick’s side triumphed in Osaka. This will be the fourth time for Onozawa to face Manu Samoa after defeats in 2001, 2008 and 2009, while for lock Hitoshi Ono as the most capped forward in the squad with 41 caps it will also be his fourth time up against the Samoans after tests in 2006, 2007 and 2009.

In round one Japan looked flat as they went down to a youthful yet enthusiastic Fiji in Lautoka last Saturday. On the other hand, Samoa were also slow out of the blocks in holding Tonga to a close 24-23 win in Apia and so they too will be looking to improve by leaps and bounds.

After the announcement of the team John Kirwan noted, “Last week’s performance against Fiji was not satisfactory, especially with the high individual error rate. The scrum was not good in the first half against Fiji and so I have made some changes with the props to help improve that area of the game. Samoa are very physical at the contact area and so I have chosen a fast backline to play the game at pace to put them under pressure. We missed a number of scoring opportunities against Fiji with unconverted penalties and we cannot afford that this week. We have played well against Samoa over the past few years but we still have not been able to come up with a win but if we give it our all for 80 minutes playing our Japanese style of rugby we will definitely be in with a chance of victory.”

Captain Takashi Kikutani added, “We made far too many errors against Fiji and we have to reduce that this week. Furthermore, we have to come up with points when we get into the opposition half. Samoa play a very physical style of game and the first half will be particularly tough but we have to unite as a team and maximise our chances in the second half.”

Wrap-up

Japan created their own bit of history in Apia on Saturday when they beat Samoa 31-23 after leading 25-6 at halftime. Over the previous four years of the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup tournament Japan had gradually been getting closer to their second victory over Samoa since these two sides first met in Tokyo in 1990 and this comprehensive away win has finally broken the psychological barrier that has long existed for Japanese sides facing Manu Samoa.

It is just over twenty years ago that Japan and Samoa first met in an international test match and over the years Samoa have managed to win eight of the nine games played before this test. The one and only win for Japan came at the Hanazono ground in Osaka in May 1999 when they beat the Samoans 37-34 with a try in injury time on the way to taking out the Pacific Rim Championship title that year. This win was also crucial because it was the first ever away win over Samoa and it will give future Japanese sides the confidence in knowing they can beat Samoa, wherever they play.

For all the players in this current Japan squad this was their first time to experience a win over Samoa as even 55-test veteran wing Hirotoki Onozawa tasted defeat in three previous outings in 2001, 2008 and 2009, while for lock Hitoshi Ono as the most capped forward in the squad with 41 caps he was on the losing side in tests in 2006, 2007 and 2009. It is also important in light of giving Japan a much needed confidence boost in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year.

Japan started the match at a ferocious pace with two first half tries to inside centre Ryan Nicholas and  one to his Suntory team mate in wing Hirotoki Onozawa. Five-eighth James Arlidge converted two of the tries while also adding two penalties to help Japan take a commanding 25-6 lead into the halftime break. Arlidge opened the scoring in the sixth minute of play with his first penalty before Lolo Lui, his Samoan counterpart gave the home side a 6-3 lead with two quick penalties. The lead was short-lived, however, as Nicholas scored the first of his tries in the twenty-third minute, then had a hand in putting Onozawa in four minutes later before chipping through to score his second five-pointer in the thirty-second minute. Arlidge closed out the half with a late penalty to stretch the gap to 19 points, meaning Samoa would have to score at least three converted tries in the second half to take the lead.

Samoa went on to win the second half 17-6 after tries to George Stowers, Mikaele Pesamino and Joe Tekori but a determined Japanese defence together with a high rate of unforced errors for the hosts meant the visitors were able to hold on for the memorable win. Samoa were still in it with a chance when they got to 28-16 with ten minutes to play but an Arlidge drop goal in the thirty-sixth minute all but guaranteed there would be no repeat of the last gasp 40-39 defeat suffered at the hands of Fiji last year. Nevertheless, Japan still had to hold out Samoa till the very end to deny them what would have been two bonus points had they scored another try.

The Japan team in Samoa

On Tuesday 15 June 2010, the Japan squad had field training in the morning followed by weight training in the afternoon. In the morning, Japan used the Saint Joseph’s College ground in Apia for training. Saint Joseph’s is one of the leading rugby schools in Samoa and over the years has produced many players that have gone on to represent Samoa on the world stage including the likes of Brian Lima. The Saint Joseph’s students helped prepare the ground for the training session and were also keen observers as the Japanese trained. After warming up and some general fitness work the forwards practised scrummaging for the clash with Samoa on the weekend. Meanwhile, centre Ryan Nicholas encouraged the squad to put their all into training and maintain concentration in order to ensure a win over Samoa. In the afternoon, the squad had a weights session at the nearby JP Fitness Centre, some five minutes away by bus from the team’s accommodation facilities.

On Monday 14 June 2010, the Japan squad transferred from Fiji to Samoa, crossing the International Date Line in the process. In the morning, the team got back into training with a ninety minute session at Apia Park, the venue for the test against Samoa this Saturday. One aspect of the session was tightening up ball security at the breakdown to reduce the number of turnovers, something that was an issue against Fiji in Lautoka last Saturday. Team captain, Takashi Kikutani emphasised the importance of the session ahead of the clash with the physical Samoans. At the completion of training, Samoan born Japanese back Alisi Tupuailei was at the centre of local media interest.

Fiji 41 d Tonga 38

Fiji 41 – Tries: Malakai Radekedike, Campese Ma’afu, Kelemedi Bolatagane, Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Sekonaia Kalou; Conversions: Taniela Rawaqa 5; Penalties: Taniela Rawaqa 2 d.

Tonga 38 – Tries: Vungakoto Lilo 2, Alipate Fatafehi, Sione Kalamafoni and Alepini Olosoni; Conversions: Kurt Morath 5; Penalty: Kurt Morath.

Date: Saturday, 19 June 2010.

Venue: Apia Park, Apia, Samoa.

Kick-off: 1:10 PM local Samoa time.

Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland).

Attendance: N/A.

Halftime: Fiji 10 - Tonga 31.

Yellow Cards: Vungakoto Lilo (Tonga No.15, 27 min 1H); Akameta Feao (Tonga No.19, 23 min 2H).

Fiji: 1- Campese Ma’afu, 2- Viliame Veikoso, 3- Alefoso Yalayalatabua, 4- Sekonaia Kalou, 5- Leone Nakarawa, 6- Dominiko Waqaniburotu (c), 7- Samu Volau, 8- Kelepi Ketedromo, 9- Nikola Matawalu, 10- Jonetani Ralulu, 11- Nemani Nadolo, 12- Sireli Naqelevuki, 13- Ropate Ratu, 14- Malakai Radekedike and 15- Taniela Rawaqa.

Reserves: 16- Talemaitoga Tuapatu, 17- Graham Dewes, 18- Mosese Volavola, 19- Dale Tonawai, 20- Kelemedi Bolatagane, 21- Josatiki Naisilisili and 22- William Saukuru.

Head Coach: Samu Domoni.

Tonga: 1- Toma Toke, 2- Aleki Lutui (c), 3- Po’alo’i Taula, 4- Alepini Olosoni, 5- Steve Mafi, 6- Atunaisa Sikalu, 7- Paula Kata, 8- Sione Kalamafoni, 9- Samisoni Fisilau, 10- Kurt Morath, 11- Alaska Taufa, 12- Manu Ahota’e’iloa, 13- Alipate Fatafehi, 14- William Helu and 15- Vungakoto Lilo.

Reserves: 16- Sione Vaiomounga, 17- Sione Fukofuka, 18- Viliami Pola, 19- Akameta Feao, 20- Haani Halaeua, 21- Daniel Morath and 22- Fangatapu ‘Apikotoa.

Head Coach: Isitolo Maka.

Preview

In 2008, Tonga defeated Fiji 27-16 in the final round game at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa for their only win of the tournament. In 2007, Tonga also beat Fiji to the tune of 21-15 in Lautoka while in 2006, the ‘Ikale Tahi snuck home 24-23 in Gosford. The venue was again Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa for 2009 and the home side was trying to continue their status as a bogey team for Fiji after three straight losses over the previous three years, but in the end Fiji broke the cycle with a 36-22 win.

In the first round Fiji beat Japan 22-8 at home in Lautoka before transferring to Apia for the remainder of the tournament. Tonga came close to their first PNC win over Samoa in the opening round but ended up losing 24-23 in a game that could have gone either way. This clash again promises to produce the best in both sides.

Wrap-up

After Tonga led 31-10 at halftime, Fiji stormed back in the second half to come up with their second straight win of the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2010 when they snuck home 41-38. Both sides scored five tries apiece and although both kickers had a good day with the boot it was one extra penalty goal to Fijian fullback Taniela Rawaqa that proved the difference in the end. Tonga have been very competitive in both games but are still trying to come up with their first win after losing to Samoa 24-23 in the first round.

Tonga had two players send to the sinbin throughout the game and over the closing stages of the test Fiji seemed to have more left in the tank as lock Sekonaia Kalou got the Fijians home with their fifth try inside the final five minutes. Tonga had no answers after that with Fiji going on to record a courageous 41-38 come from behind victory.

After the match, Fiji captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu commented, “It was a great comeback. We made a lot of mistakes in the first half but in the second half we had to come back.” Not surprisingly, Tongan captain Aleki Lutui noted, “We are very disappointed. The same thing from last week happened again. We improved at the set pieces but our defence was poor in the second half.

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Manu Samoa

On 3 June 2010 the Samoan Rugby Union Chairman and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoloai Sailele Malielegaoi announced the Manu Samoan squad for the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2010. The bulk of the players are based in France and England including former Ricoh Black Rams lock Filipo Levi who is now with the Newcastle Falcons in England and fullback Gavin Williams who plays in France. A number of players are also based throughout New Zealand and Australia while about a third of the squad are based in Samoa. Hooker  Mahonri Schwalger has been named captain with backrower George Stowers the vice-captain.

In 2010, Samoa won four of the eight legs of the IRB Sevens World Series 2009-10 to take the overall title for the first time with 164 points, 15 points clear of New Zealand. The icing on the cake was flyer Mikaele Pesamino ending the series as the leading try scorer with 56 tries and then being named as the IRB Sevens player-of-the-year, becoming the second Samoan to take the honour after Uale Mai in 2006. Along with Pesamino and Mai, a number of the Sevens stars such as Ofisa Treviranus, Alafoti Faosilivia, Lolo Lui, Reupena Levasa and Fautua Otto are being asked to make the quick adjustment to the full 15-a-side for Manu Samoa’s ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2010 campaign.

There are a number of prominent names missing from the 2010 squad including Henry Tuilagi, Semo Sititi, Daniel Leo, Henry Fa’afili, Seilala Mapusua, Sailosi Tagicakibau and Alesana Tuilagi but with the tournament largely being held in Samoa this year on top of the fact the country is still riding the high of winning the Sevens World Series the host nations will be looking to make 2010 a year to remember.

Fuimaono Tafua took over as head coach in 2009 replacing Taula Lepale Niko Palamo who took over from Michael Jones the year before that. The captaincy was handed to hooker Mahonri Schwalger in 2010 after No8 George Stowers in 2009, and Filipo Levi in 2008.

Squad

Forwards: James Afoa (North Harbour, NZ), Census Johnstone (Stade Toulousain, Fra.), Anthony Perenise (Hurricanes, NZ), Sakaria Taulafo (Wasps, Eng.), Mahonri Schwalger (c) (Sale, Eng.), Andrew Williams (Marist, Samoa), Filipo Levi (Newcastle, Eng.), Pelu Taele (Biarritz Olympique, Fra.), Joe Tekori (Castres Olympique, Fra.), Kane Thompson (Dax, Fra.), Richard Muagututia (Scopa, Samoa), Manaia Salavea (Narbonne, Fra.), Falemiga Selesele (Moata’a, Samoa), George Stowers (vc) (London Irish, Eng.) and Ofisa Treviranus (Malie, Samoa). Backs: Uale Mai (Marist, Samoa), Junior Poluleuligaga (Chiefs, NZ), Joshua Keil (Warringah, Aus), Lolo Lui (Moata’a, Samoa), Jamie Helleur (CDUL, Portugal), Iafeta Laau (Tepatasi, Samoa), Fautua Otto (Scopa, Samoa), George Pisi (Blues, NZ), Uarotafou Setu (Sunnybank, Aus.), Gavin Williams (Dax, France), Alafoti Faosilivia (Afega, Samoa), David Lemi (Wasps, Eng.), Reupena Levasa (Vailele, Samoa), Mikaele Pesamino (Vailele, Samoa) and Paul Williams (Blues, NZ).

Head coach: Fuimaono Tafua.

2009 PNC (5 teams): Third on 12 points from 2 wins and 2 losses.

2008 PNC (6 teams): Third on 10 points from 2 wins and 3 losses.

2007 PNC (6 teams): Third on 13 points from 3 wins and 2 losses.

2006 P5N (5 teams): Second on 11 points from 2 wins and 2 losses.

‘Ikale Tahi Tonga

Tonga struggled in 2009 with four losses from their four outings to finish with the wooden spoon for the second year in a row. It was also the first time in the four years of this event that the Tongans had failed to come away with at least one win. Tonga had beaten Fiji the previous three years, but even at home that proved too much in 2009. In 2006 in the Pacific Five Nations Tonga had wins over Fiji and Japan and then in 2007 in the Pacific Nations Cup the “Ikale Tahi had one win over Fiji for four losses while in 2008 the Tongans again beat Fiji but finished last on six points, just one behind Japan.

For a country with a total population of only about 100,000 people, Tonga continue to punch well above their weight in rugby terms. With a small player population and limited resources Tonga continually live on the edge. Although the 2009 squad showed patches of their potential in the four games of the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup, the inability to play out the full 80 minutes and a number of missed opportunities meant the Kingdom had to settle for last place for another year.

In the 2010 squad, familiar names like Pierre Hola, Emosi Kauhenga, Nili Latu, Hale T Pole, Epeli Taione and Joseph Vaka are missing but there is still a strong squad based around a core of experienced overseas based players such as Aleki Lutui, Joshua Afu, Vungakoto Lilo and Fangatapu ‘Apikotoa. Hooker Aleki Lutui replaces Nili Latu as captain for 2010 while former All Black No8 Isitolo Maka replaces Quddus Fielea as head coach. Both Latu and Fielea had been captain and coach respectively over the previous three PNC campaigns.

Squad

Forwards: Makoni Finau (Lavengamalie, Tonga), Sione Fukofuka (Toa-ko-Ma’afu, Tonga), Viliami Pola (Toloa OB, Tonga), Po’alo’i Taula (Counties Manukau, NZ), Toma Toke (Doncaster, Eng.), Aleki Lutui (c) (Worcester, Eng.), Sione Vaiomounga (Toloa OB, Tonga), Akameta Feao (Toloa OB, Tonga), Steve Mafi (West Harbour, Aus), Alepini Olosoni (Counties Manukau, NZ), Joshua Afu (Newcastle, Eng.), Haani Halaeua (Counties Manukau, NZ), Kelepi Halafihi (Spartans, Tonga), Sione Kalamafoni (Liahona OBs), Paula Kata (Marist, Samoa), Aloisio Mailangi (Kolofo’ou, Tonga) and Atunaisa Sikalu (Spartans, Tonga). Backs: Mahe Fangupo (Havelu Bull Dogs, Tonga), Samisoni Fisilau (Counties Manukau, NZ), Daniel Morath (North Harbour, NZ), Fangatapu ‘Apikotoa (Coventry, Eng.), Kurt Morath (Clonakilty, Ire.), Manu Ahota’e’iloa (Agen, Fra.), Alipate Fatafehi (North Harbour, NZ), Saia Fekitoa (Brive, Fra.), Andrew Mailei (Bordeaux, Fra.), William Helu (Grenoble, Fra.), Alaska Taufa (Akita, Jap.), Paula Kaveinga (Counties Manukau, NZ) and Vungakoto Lilo (Bordeaux, Fra.).

Head Coach: Isitolo Maka. Although Maka was born in Longotome in Tonga, his family moved to Auckland when he was eleven. He played four tests for the All Blacks at No8 in 1998 and played most of his Super 12 rugby with the Highlanders although he also had stints with the Blues and the Chiefs. He moved to Toulouse in France in 2000 where he played with Stade Toulousain through till 2006. He played two seasons with the Sanix Blues in Japan in 2006-7 and 2007-8 before returning to France in 2009 where he played with Marseille-Vitrolles. However, a knee injury eventually brought an end to his playing career. He coached the Tongan U19 side in 2008.

2009 PNC (5 teams): Fifth on 1 point from 0 wins and 4 losses.

2008 PNC (6 teams): Sixth on 6 points from 1 win and 4 losses.

2007 PNC (6 teams): Fifth on 5 points from 1 win and 4 losses.

2006 P5N (5 teams): Fourth on 9 points from 2 wins and 2 losses.

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Odds & Sods

Odds & Sods brings the reader weekly news shorts, gossip and general happenings from the world of Rugby in Japan.

News in Japan: Catching the headlines in Japan this week are – Soccer World Cup fever from South Africa is still high this week after Japan went down to the Netherlands 1-0.

IRB ranking on 7 June 2010 - Japan were 13 (70.59).

The Think-tank:

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Looking Ahead

Looking Ahead gives the reader future dates for the diary and other great things to look forward to in Rugby in Japan.

November 2010

There is the possibility that the New Zealand Maori and maybe even the Wallabies will play against Japan in the November window month.

Another alternative being considered is three matches in November against Rod McQueen’s Melbourne Rebels ahead of their debut in the expanded Super 15 competition in 2011.

There is the added possibility that there will be no games for Japan in the autumn to allow the test level players to freshen up ahead of the very heavy schedule in 2011 leading up to the RWC in NZ late in the year.

Furthermore, there is also the rumour that Japan will play Italy home and away in November.

Plan E has Russia and also Samoa playing in Japan in November.

Into the Future

With the IRB working towards re-introducing traditional long tours there will be spin-offs for Japan in the lead-up to this country hosting the 2019 RWC. Although it is not set in concrete, a bevy of tier one countries are pencilled in to tour Japan with Wales touring in 2013, Scotland in 2016, Ireland in 2017 and Italy in 2018.