The Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024 gets underway in Suva this weekend as five-time champions Fiji take on rivals Samoa in the first match of the tournament.
Fiji go into the six-team, cross-regional competition off the back of their first Rugby World Cup quarter-final appearance in 16 years, having made it through to the last eight in France last year, whereas Samoa disappointingly failed to get beyond the pool stage.
Both have had a change of head coach since then, and Samoa’s new man in charge – Mase Mahonri Schwalger, the team’s scrum coach at RWC 2023 – has enjoyed a honeymoon period with two wins out of two.
Mick Byrne, meanwhile, has taken over from Simon Raiwalui as Fiji coach and the Australian began his tenure with a very good win away to Georgia before losing 47-5 to New Zealand in their most recent match in San Diego.
As with all 11 games in the Pacific Nations Cup, Fiji’s match against Samoa will be shown live by RugbyPass TV or via Digicel if you’re in the Pacific Islands, kick-off is 18:00 local time (GMT+12).
Karl Te Nana will be calling the action, and the former New Zealand sevens star can’t wait.
“It’s exciting times for a lot of countries, exciting times that we relaunch a new competition and exciting times that it is the beginning of a new pathway for these nations to play tier ones on a consistent basis," he said.
“I think for me one of the main storylines I am looking forward to is seeing how the teams have recalibrated after the Rugby World Cup as there has obviously been a lot of turnover, whether it be players or coaches.
“Some players might not be available so that’s an opportunity for younger players to come through. With a coaching change, there is a philosophy change so it’ll be interesting to see how that plays out, too.
“I am really looking forward to what will be an outstanding tournament.”
The second match of the opening round takes place on Sunday, with hosts Canada up against Japan, at BC Place in Vancouver, kick-off 14:00 local time (GMT-7).
While not quite as old as the rivalry between Fiji and Samoa, Canada and Japan do have plenty of history with the fixture dating back to 1932. Notably two of the four draws in Rugby World Cup history were played out between these teams.
Canada go into the match buoyed by their recent win over Romania, while Japan are still searching for their first win since Eddie Jones returned as head coach.
Both matches will set the tone for the teams’ respective Pacific Nations Cup campaigns and should be really competitive encounters.
FRIDAY, 23 AUGUST: FIJI v SAMOA, HFC BANK STADIUM, SUVA, KO 18:00 (GMT+12)
HEAD-TO-HEAD
It is just over 100 years to the day that the teams first met in test rugby and the sense of rivalry has strengthened over time.
All in, the teams have met 54 times at this level and Fiji have won 30 matches to Samoa’s 21, with the remaining three matches ending in draws.
Fiji came out on top when they met in a RWC 2023 warm-up match last year, winning 33-19 in Suva, the venue for this latest chapter in this storied rivalry.
HOW TO WATCH ON TV
The match is live on RugbyPass TV or on Digicel if you’re in the Pacific Islands.
If you do not already have a RugbyPass TV account, you can sign up for free here.
PNC TITLES
With five titles, Fiji are the most successful team in Pacific Nations Cup history.
Samoa are a close second with four titles, the last of which was in 2022.
FIJI FORM: CHASING TITLE NUMBER SIX
With plenty of survivors from their most successful Rugby World Cup campaign since 2007, Fiji will be confident of claiming a sixth title this year.
In terms of their performances in July, the game against the All Blacks in San Diego may not have gone their way but the 21-12 win over Georgia in Batumi is probably a better indicator of where they are at as a team.
One area they’ll be looking to improve on is the scrum. It was rock solid at RWC 2023 but they only won 78% of their own ball across their last two internationals.
SAMOA FORM: HAT-TRICK SEEKING SCHWALGER
The 2022 champions head into the tournament buoyed by two wins out of two in July, including a first win over Men's Six Nations opposition in 10 years.
Samoa were hugely impressive in beating Italy 33-25 in Apia, having come back from 25-15 down early in the second half, but less so in edging Spain 34-30. Samoa led 21-3 at half-time and they will be disappointed that they allowed Spain a route back into the game.
Often PNC games are littered by yellow cards, so Samoa will be encouraged by how they managed to tighten up their discipline in July. Samoa didn’t receive a card of any colour in July, whereas they had five players sent to the sin-bin and one man dismissed at RWC 2023.
FIJI TEAM NEWS
Fiji hand test debuts to two back-three players in left winger Epeli Momo and full-back Vuate Karawalevu, as well as including two Olympic silver medallists from Paris 2024, Iosefo Baleiwairiki and Selesitino Ravutaumada, in their starting line-up.
Momo came through the Fiji U20/Warriors pathway before playing professionally in France, and has since returned to his homeland after signing for the Fijian Drua. Karawalevu is a cross-code winger who is back in the 15-a-side game with the NSW Waratahs after representing Fiji at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
There are also first starts for tight-head Samu Tawake and number eight Elia Canakaivata, while the bulk of the experience in an otherwise callow looking XV comes at scrum-half through 33-test veteran Frank Lomani. There is, however, plenty of caps on the bench with Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai and Albert Tuisue all experienced campaigners. Fijian Drua centre Apisalome Vota is set to make his test debut from the bench.
Fiji (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (captain), Samu Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Caleb Muntz, Epeli Momo, Inia Tabuavou, Iosefo Baleiwairiki, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vuate Karawalevu.
Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Mesake Vocevoce, Albert Tuisue, Moses Sorovi, Isiah Ravula, Apisalome Vota.
SAMOA TEAM NEWS
With so many recognisable faces and experienced campaigners missing, Samoa will look to their recently appointed captain Theo McFarland for inspiration. The Saracens man is a loose forward with exceptional athletic ability and ball handling skills.
Like Fiji, Samoa hand first caps to outside backs in centre Lalomilo Lalomilo, a Paris 2024 Olympian, and right-wing Tuna Tuitama, while two further players – prop Brook Toomalatai and loose forward Jonah Mau’u – could make maiden test appearances from the bench. Pisi Leilua gets his first start on the left wing after making his debut of the bench against Spain last month.
Samoa (1-15): Aka Seiuli, Andrew Tuala, Marco Fepulea’i, Ben Nee-Nee, Sam Slade, Theo McFarland (captain), Murphy Taramai, Olajuwon Noa, Melani Matavao, Alai D’Angelo Leuila, Pisi Leilua, Alapati Leiua, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tuna Tuitama, Tomasi Alosio.
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tietie Tuimauga, Brook Toomalatai, Senio Toleafoa, Jonah Mau’u, Danny Tusitala, Afa Moleli, Stacey Ili.
REFEREE
James Doleman (New Zealand). This is the first time the 33-year-old RWC 2023 assistant referee has refereed this fixture, his 11th test match as the man in the middle.
SUNDAY 25 AUGUST: CANADA v JAPAN – BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, KO 14:08 (GMT-7)
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Japan are unbeaten in the last eight matches (W6, D2), dating back to May 2005 and have the better overall record with 15 wins to Canada’s eight. Two of the matches – both at Rugby World Cups – ended in draws.
The teams first met in 1932 and Canada had to wait until 1991 before first tasting victory.
BC Place was also the venue when the teams last met some eight years ago, the Brave Blossoms coming out on top 26-22 thanks to a late try from young superstar Kotaro Matsushima.
HOW TO WATCH ON TV
The match is live on RugbyPass TV or on TSN if you’re in Canada and J SPORTS in Japan.
If you do not already have a RugbyPass TV account, you can sign up for free here.
PNC TITLES
With three titles, Japan have the third best record in the competition behind Fiji and Samoa.
The Brave Blossoms’ last triumph was in 2019. A 34-21 win over the defending champions – Fiji’s first defeat in the competition since 2015 – in the opening match was followed by victories against Tonga (41-7) and USA (34-20).
Canada are still waiting to bring home the silverware, with second place in 2013 their best finish to date.
CANADA FORM: OAKS WIN GIVES HOPE
Canada have had a rough few years, culminating in their failure to qualify for RWC 2023 – the first time they hadn’t been involved in the sport’s marquee event.
Wins over higher-ranked opponents have been few and far between of late, so to beat Romania last time out will give Kingsley Jones’ side a much-needed confidence boost.
The 35-22 win was their first in seven matches against the Oaks and followed a heavy 73-12 defeat to Scotland.
JAPAN FORM: A BRAVE NEW ERA IN THE MAKING
It was never going to be easy for Eddie Jones to repeat the success he enjoyed with the Brave Blossoms first time around as head coach, especially with a number of senior players retiring after RWC 2023. But Jones has taken the hit and sacrificed results in a bid to blood younger players in time for the next tournament in Australia in 2027.
Japan suffered three straight home defeats during the June/July internationals, losing 52-17 to England, 25-23 to Georgia and then 42-14 to Italy. Their fans will be hoping they can turn the corner soon as it’s now just three wins from 15 for the men in cherry red and white.
Japan struggled to be dominant on both sides of the ball in July, and they had a rude awakening at scrum-time, too, which is an area that Canada will no doubt look to target.
CANADA TEAM NEWS
Canada hand a debut to second-row Kaden Duguid as they return to BC Place for the first time since 2019. Loose-head, Calixto Martinez, one of nine players on the matchday roster who won their first caps this July in Ottawa, makes his first start.
Canada are once again led by Lucas Rumball who continues in the number eight role, the position he assumed in last month's win over Romania. Normally an openside, this will only be his third start anchoring the scrum in his 54th cap.
Canada (1-15): Calixto Martinez, Andrew Quattrin, Conor Young, Izzak Kelly, Kaden Duguid, Mason Flesch, Ethan Fryer, Lucas Rumball (capt.), Jason Higgins, Peter Nelson, Nic Benn, Talon McMullin, Ben LeSage, Andrew Coe, Cooper Coats.
Replacements: Dewald Kotze, Djustice Sears-Duru, Cole Keith, James Stockwood, Matthew Oworu, Brock Gallagher, Mark Balaski, Takoda McMullin.
JAPAN TEAM NEWS
New Toyota Verblitz centre signing Nicholas McCurran and left wing Malo Tuitama, a former New Zealand U20 international, are handed their test debuts by Eddie Jones.
Meanwhile, another Toyota Verblitz player, Isaiah Collins-Mapusua, the nephew of former Samoa international player and coach Seilala Mapusua, is in line to make his bow off the bench.
The team will be led for the eighth time by hooker Atsushi Sakate.
Japan (1-15): Shogo Miura, Atsushi Sakate (game capt.), Keijiro Tamefusa, Sanaila Waqa, Warner Dearns, Tiennan Costley, Kanji Shimokawa, Faulua Makisi, Shinobu Fujiwara, Seungsin Lee, Malo Tuitama, Nicholas McCurran, Dylan Riley, Jone Naikabula, Yoshitaka Yazaki
Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Takayoshi Mohara, Shuhei Takeuchi, Eishin Kuwano, Isaiah Collins-Mapusua, Taiki Koyama, Harumichi Tatekawa (team capt.), Tomoki Osada
REFEREE
Eoghan Cross (Ireland). The 32-year-old former Irish schoolboy rugby international referees his third test.
All 11 matches in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024 will be available to watch live either through RugbyPass TV or via broadcast partners in certain markets. You can sign up to RPTV for free by clicking here>>