Size does matter

There are more Samoan, Tongans and Fijians living in New Zealand than in their home islands — but that’s not what makes them dangerous.

WHEN Fiji thrashed fourth-ranked Argentina 28-9 in the inaugural Rugby World Cup it was a defining moment for all South Pacific teams. The result sent shock waves through the rugby world and Samoa, Fiji and Tonga have been demanding respect ever since.

In the 1987 tournament Fiji went on to qualify for the quarter-finals and they caused opponents — eventual finalists, France — some anxious moments before the French won 31-16.

In 1991 there was more island magic on display, this time from Samoa against Wales. The ferocious tackling of Apollo Perelini and Brian Lima at the forefront of an outstanding team effort saw the South Sea Islanders defeat Wales 16-13. Although beaten 28-6 by Scotland in the quarter-final, the Samoans exited the World Cup having well and truly made their mark.

Samoa was again the bogey team for Wales in 1999, winning 38-31 to advance to the quarter-final, and in 2007 it was the turn of the Fijians to dump Wales out of the World Cup on a scoreline of 38-34. Historically, the weakness of the Pacific nations has been their tight forwards. Technically they were not strong, preferring to get their hands on the ball and run in the loose rather than work in the engine room.

Match fitness was also seen as a chink in their armour. The advent of professional rugby helped turn these frailties around. Good coaching produced formidable tight forwards who could run all day. Players were in hot demand.

Yet the early years of professional rugby diminished the power of the island teams because selectors were unable to monitor the talent. This problem was addressed thanks largely to the media coverage of the professional leagues.

It is unfortunate that in this World Cup Fiji and Samoa are grouped together in Pool D. It might be even more unfortunate for Wales however, who are also in Pool D. The Welsh have few happy memories of encounters against either.

Fiji was the first World Cup side to arrive in New Zealand. Captained by prop Deacon Manu, formerly of Waikato but now playing his rugby for the Scarlets in Wales. His teammates have come from Australia, Japan, France, England, Scotland and New Zealand plus nine who are based in Fiji. A number of the squad played in the team that stunned Wales in 2007, including veterans Nicky Little, Seremaia Bai and Akapusi Qera.

A few players short of their full squad, they were beaten 60-14 by the All Blacks before New Zealand began its Tri-Nations campaign. The addition of their overseas players can only make them stronger and the side should be a force to be reckoned with at the World Cup.

Recently, Samoa has had an even better playing pedigree than their island cousins, and the recent 32-28 win against Australia highlights the threat they pose.

Former Samoa star and scorer of the winning try against Wales in 1991 To’o Vaega said he is optimistic about Samoan rugby promoting itself well at this World Cup. Vaega pinpointed a number of areas he believes show Samoa to be an improved side.

“In my day the team relied mainly on the power both on attack and defence of the loose forwards and the backs,” he said. “After the first quarter we were always up against it with our tight five. Now they are competitive for 80 minutes and we have the depth to replace players without it having a negative affect on team performance.”

Second row Daniel Leo, who played several seasons for Wasps and is now with Union Bordeaux Bègles in France, and Census Johnstone, a prop currently at Stade Toulousain and formerly with Saracens, are two forwards with serious experience.

Vaega rates captain and hooker Mahonri Schwalger highly as both a player and a leader. His experience with Sale and the Scarlets and with the Highlanders in the Super 15 competition has broadened his rugby knowledge big time.

The other player Vaega rates highly is scrum-half Kahn Fotuali’i. On his day he can be a world beater. Injury may have hampered his season with the Crusaders but he is now fit and fresh and he was outstanding for Hawke’s Bay in the ITM Cup competition.

Northern hemisphere rugby followers will be well aware of the ability of Alesana Tuilagi having seen him playing for Leicester in the Aviva Premiership, and at 6’1” and 117kgs (18st 6lb) he takes some stopping on the wing.

Former Highlanders and London Irish centre Seilola Mapusua, the 2008-09 Premiership Players’ Player of the Year adds real experience to the centres.

Against Australia, Samoa played an extremely physical game, totally depriving the Wallabies of time and space to set up attacks. Any team that tries to carry the ball to the gain line, therefore giving the Samoans targets to tackle, will put themselves under pressure. Still, at 9/2 to come second in their pool, the Samoans are definitely worth watching.

The third of the island nations, Tonga have been represented at five of the World Cups, only missing out in 2003. Their greatest moment was beating France 20-16 in 2007.

Grouped again with France and hosts New Zealand it will be a difficult pool for the Tongans.

But they are not beyond throwing up a surprise or two. In a recent RWC warm up against Fiji it was Tonga who prevailed 32-20. And the side contains a number of well performed players. Out-half Kurt Morath kicked a conversion and five penalties in that match, showing great accuracy with the boot.

Irish interest will centre around former Highlanders wing Fetu ‘u Vainkolo who will play for Connacht this coming season. Vunga Lilo at fullback or wing plays for Bristol.

Halfback Tamela Moa who is 6’’ and 102 kg (16 stone) is well-known in New Zealand having played a number of years for Auckland and the Blues and he now plays for Bay of Plenty and the Chiefs. He is extremely strong around the fringes and will be a real handful if the weather is wet as, like a loose forward he is difficult to stop.

The front row contains real power. Soane Tonga’uiha, who is a Northampton Saints favourite and played for Auckland previously, teams up with Iona Taumalolo who plays for the Waikato Chiefs and Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand. Capped four times, he has already scored two tries.

Captain Finau Maka at No 7 or 8, from Stade Toulousain, is yet another with impressive rugby credentials.

For all three Pacific Island teams, their biggest weapon at this RWC may well be their support. There are more Samoan, Tongans and Fijians living in New Zealand than there are in their home islands.

Prepare to be amazed by the support for Tonga in the first match of the 2011 Rugby World Cup against the All Blacks.