2017 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup

The 2017 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup was the twelfth edition of the Pacific Nations Cup annual international rugby union tournament. The 2017 title was contested solely by the Pacific nations of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

Quick facts Tournament details, Countries ...

2017 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup
Tournament details
Countries	Fiji Samoa Tonga
Tournament format(s)	Round-robin
Date	1–15 July 2017
Tournament statistics
Teams	3
Matches played	3
Attendance	26,500 (8,833 per match)
Tries scored	13 (4.33 per match)
Top point scorer(s)	Sonatane Takulua (25)
Top try scorer(s)	Henry Seniloli (3)
Final
Champions	Fiji (4th title)
Runners-up	Tonga
← 2016 (Previous) (Next) 2018 →

Teams competing in previous years, Canada, Japan and the United States were not scheduled to participate in the tournament for 2017 or 2016 due to the 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifying format. The top two teams on aggregate across the 2016 and 2017 Pacific Nations Cups for Japan 2019,^[1] with the team finishing third scheduled to enter the repechage for qualification.^[2]

Having not hosted a test match since playing Fiji in June 2009, Tonga was given the go-ahead to host a test match with World Rugby's approval of the revamped Teufaiva Sport Stadium.^[3]

Fiji retained their title to win for the third consecutive year.

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Table

More information Pos, Team ...

Pos	Team	Pld	W	L	PF	PA	PD	TF	TA	TB	LB	Pts
1	Fiji	2	2	0	52	26	+26	6	2	1	0	9
2	Tonga	2	1	1	40	40	0	4	3	0	1	5
3	Samoa	2	0	2	42	68	−26	3	8	0	1	1

Source: ^{[citation needed]}
Rules for classification: 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw, 1 bonus point for a loss by seven points or less, 1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match

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Fixtures

Summarize

Perspective

The full match schedule was announced on 23 March 2017.^[4]

Round 1

1 July 2017
15:00 TOT (UTC+13)

Tonga	30–26	Samoa
Try: Latu 13' c Pakalani 17' c Takulua 47' c Con: Takulua (3/3) 14', 19', 49' Pen: Takulua (3/3) 12', 33', 42'	Report^[5]	Try: Levave 30' c Leiua 65' c Con: Pisi (2/2) 30', 66' Pen: Pisi (4/4) 8', 21', 35', 44'

Teufaiva Sport Stadium, Nukuʻalofa
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Marius Mitrea (Italy)


FB	15	Atieli Pakalani
RW	14	David Halaifonua
OC	13	Nafi Tuitavake
IC	12	Siale Piutau (c)
LW	11	Cooper Vuna	69'
FH	10	Latiume Fosita
SH	9	Sonatane Takulua
N8	8	Valentino Mapapalangi	40'
OF	7	Nili Latu
BF	6	Daniel Faleafa
RL	5	Steve Mafi	66'
LL	4	Leva Fifita
TP	3	Siua Halanukonuka	61'
HK	2	Paul Ngauamo
LP	1	Siegfried Fisiihoi
Replacements:
HK	16	Suliasi Taufalele
PR	17	Latu Talakai
PR	18	Ben Tameifuna	61'
FL	19	Jack Ram	66'
FL	20	Michael Faleafa	40'
SH	21	Leon Fukofuka
FH	22	Kali Hala
CE	23	Tevita Taufuʻi	69'
Coach:
Toutai Kefu


FB	15	Tim Nanai-Williams
RW	14	Alapati Leiua
OC	13	Kieron Fonotia	77'
IC	12	Rey Lee-Lo
LW	11	David Lemi (c)
FH	10	Tusi Pisi	66'
SH	9	Kahn Fotuali'i	74'
N8	8	Faifili Levave
OF	7	Galu Taufale
BF	6	Piula Faʻasalele
RL	5	Fa'atiga Lemalu	61'
LL	4	Chris Vui
TP	3	Paul Alo-Emile
HK	2	Manu Leiataua	79'
LP	1	Nephi Leatigaga	56'
Replacements:
HK	16	Elia Elia	79'
PR	17	Jordan Lay	56'
PR	18	James Lay
LK	19	Masalosalo Tutaia	61'
FL	20	Taiasina Tuifu'a
SH	21	Auvasa Faleali'i	74'
FH	22	D'Angelo Leuila	66'
CE	23	Henry Taefu	77'
Coach:
Alama Ieremia

Touch judges:
Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Paul Williams (New Zealand)

Notes:

This was Tonga's first home game since they played Fiji in 2009.
This was Tonga's first win over Samoa since they won 29–19 in 2011.
Siegfried Fisiihoi, Atieli Pakalani (both Tonga), Auvasa Faleali'i, Jordan Lay, Henry Taefu and Masalosalo Tutaia (all Samoa) made their international debuts.
David Lemi (Samoa) earned his 50th test cap.

Round 2

8 July 2017
15:00 TOT (UTC+13)

Tonga	10–14	Fiji
Try: Fisiihoi 46' c Con: Takulua (1/1) 47' Pen: Takulua (1/2) 25'	Report^[6]	Try: Nakarawa 53' m Pen: Volavola (3/3) 14', 65', 72'

Teufaiva Sport Stadium, Nukuʻalofa
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)


FB	15	Atieli Pakalani
RW	14	David Halaifonua	77'
OC	13	Siale Piutau (c)
IC	12	Tevita Taufuʻi
LW	11	Cooper Vuna	77'
FH	10	Latiume Fosita
SH	9	Sonatane Takulua
N8	8	Valentino Mapapalangi	72'
OF	7	Jack Ram				55'
BF	6	Daniel Faleafa	3'	11'	42' to 55'
RL	5	Steve Mafi
LL	4	Leva Fifita
TP	3	Siua Halanukonuka	55'
HK	2	Paul Ngauamo	72'
LP	1	Siegfried Fisiihoi	62'
Replacements:
HK	16	Suliasi Taufalele	72'
PR	17	Latu Talakai	62'
PR	18	Ben Tameifuna	55'
FL	19	Sione Tau	72'
FL	20	Michael Faleafa	3'	11'	42'
SH	21	Leon Fukofuka
FH	22	Kali Hala	77'
WG	23	Kiti Taimani Vaini	77'
Coach:
Toutai Kefu


FB	15	Timoci Nagusa
RW	14	Josua Tuisova	76'
OC	13	Asaeli Tikoirotuma	61'
IC	12	Jale Vatubua
LW	11	Patrick Osborne
FH	10	Ben Volavola
SH	9	Serupepeli Vularika	34'
N8	8	Nemani Nagusa
OF	7	Akapusi Qera (c)
BF	6	Dominiko Waqaniburotu	61'
RL	5	Leone Nakarawa
LL	4	Tevita Cavubati	61'
TP	3	Manasa Saulo	51'
HK	2	Sunia Koto	40'
LP	1	Campese Ma'afu	51'	77'
Replacements:
HK	16	Talemaitoga Tuapati	40'
PR	17	Peni Ravai	51'	77'
PR	18	Kalivati Tawake	51'
LK	19	Api Ratuniyarawa	61'
FL	20	Viliame Mata	61'
SH	21	Henry Seniloli	34'
CE	22	Vereniki Goneva	61'
WG	23	Benito Masilevu	76'
Coach:
John McKee

Touch judges:
Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Marius Mitrea (Italy)

Notes:

Sione Tau (Tonga) made his international debut.
With this Result Fiji guaranteed qualification for the Rugby World Cup 2019 as Oceana 1.

Round 3

15 July 2017
14:00 WST (UTC+13)

Samoa	16–38	Fiji
Try: Lemi 20' c Con: Pisi (1/1) 21' Pen: Pisi (3/6) 27', 33', 37'	Report^[7]	Try: Seniloli (3) 10' c, 23' c, 42' c Vatubua 53' c Ratuniyarawa 75' c Con: Volavola (5/5) 11', 24', 43', 54', 76' Pen: Volavola (1/1) 62'

Apia Park, Apia
Attendance: 6,500
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)


FB	15	Tim Nanai-Williams
RW	14	Alapati Leiua
OC	13	Kieron Fonotia	64'
IC	12	Rey Lee-Lo
LW	11	David Lemi (c)	73'
FH	10	Tusi Pisi
SH	9	Kahn Fotuali'i	76'
N8	8	Faifili Levave	57'
OF	7	Jack Lam
BF	6	Piula Faʻasalele	67'
RL	5	Fa'atiga Lemalu
LL	4	Chris Vui
TP	3	Paul Alo-Emile	51'
HK	2	Elia Elia	58'
LP	1	Jordan Lay	76'
Replacements:
HK	16	Seilala Lam	58'
PR	17	Nephi Leatigaga	76'
PR	18	James Lay	51'
FL	19	Galu Taufale	67'
N8	20	Sanele Vavae Tuilagi	57'
SH	21	Auvasa Faleali'i	76'
FH	22	D'Angelo Leuila	64'
FB	23	Ahsee Tuala	73'
Coach:
Alama Ieremia


FB	15	Timoci Nagusa	60'
RW	14	Vereniki Goneva
OC	13	Asaeli Tikoirotuma	74'
IC	12	Jale Vatubua
LW	11	Patrick Osborne
FH	10	Ben Volavola
SH	9	Henry Seniloli	76'
N8	8	Nemani Nagusa
OF	7	Akapusi Qera (c)	66'
BF	6	Dominiko Waqaniburotu
RL	5	Leone Nakarawa
LL	4	Tevita Cavubati	59'
TP	3	Manasa Saulo	60'
HK	2	Talemaitoga Tuapati	66'
LP	1	Campese Ma'afu	66'
Replacements:
HK	16	Sunia Koto	66'
PR	17	Joeli Veitayaki Jr.	66'
PR	18	Kalivati Tawake	60'
LK	19	Api Ratuniyarawa	59'
FL	20	Viliame Mata	66'
SH	21	Frank Lomani	76'
CE	22	Eroni Vasiteri	74'
WG	23	Josua Tuisova	60'
Coach:
John McKee

Touch judges:
Marius Mitrea (Italy)
Nick Briant (New Zealand)

Notes:

James Lay (Samoa) and Frank Lomani (Fiji) made their international debuts.
This was Fiji's first win in Samoa since their 17–16 win in 2002.

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Squads

Summarize

Perspective

More information Nation, Head coach ...

Nation	Head coach	Captain
Fiji	John McKee	Akapusi Qera
Samoa	Alama Ieremia	David Lemi
Tonga	Toutai Kefu	Siale Piutau

Note: Number of caps and players' ages are indicated as of 1 July 2017 – the tournament's opening day, pre first tournament match.

Fiji

On 9 May, John McKee named an extended squad ahead of Fiji's 2017 June tests against Australia, Italy and Scotland and their Rugby Pacific Nations Cup / 2019 RWC Oceania qualification campaign in July.^[8]

More information Player, Position ...

Player	Position	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Club/province
Sunia Koto	Hooker	(1980-04-15)April 15, 1980 (aged 37)	54	Mâcon
Jale Sassen	Hooker	(1992-09-06)September 6, 1992 (aged 24)	1	Suva
Talemaitoga Tuapati	Hooker	(1985-08-16)August 16, 1985 (aged 31)	36	Provence
Lee Roy Atalifo	Prop	(1988-03-10)March 10, 1988 (aged 29)	9	Unattached
Mosese Ducivaki	Prop	(1991-02-28)February 28, 1991 (aged 26)	1	Naitasiri
Campese Ma'afu	Prop	(1984-12-19)December 19, 1984 (aged 32)	45	Northampton Saints
Peni Ravai	Prop	(1990-06-16)June 16, 1990 (aged 27)	21	Aurillac
Manasa Saulo	Prop	(1989-04-06)April 6, 1989 (aged 28)	31	Toulon
Kalivati Tawake	Prop	(1988-11-16)November 16, 1988 (aged 28)	3	Suva
Joeli Veitayaki Jr.	Prop	(1986-03-14)March 14, 1986 (aged 31)	5	Naitasiri Highlanders
Leone Nakarawa	Lock	(1988-04-02)April 2, 1988 (aged 29)	42	Racing 92
Tevita Cavubati	Lock	(1987-08-12)August 12, 1987 (aged 29)	18	Worcester Warriors
Api Ratuniyarawa	Lock	(1986-07-11)July 11, 1986 (aged 30)	24	Northampton Saints
Sikeli Nabou	Lock	(1988-03-05)March 5, 1988 (aged 29)	1	Biarritz Olympique
Naulia Dawai	Flanker	(1987-06-26)June 26, 1987 (aged 30)	8	Connacht
Viliame Mata	Flanker	(1991-10-22)October 22, 1991 (aged 25)	2	Edinburgh
Akapusi Qera (c)	Flanker	(1984-04-24)April 24, 1984 (aged 33)	57	Montpellier
Mosese Voka	Flanker	(1985-06-07)June 7, 1985 (aged 32)	4	Suva
Dominiko Waqaniburotu	Flanker	(1986-04-20)April 20, 1986 (aged 31)	33	Brive
Peceli Yato	Flanker	(1993-01-17)January 17, 1993 (aged 24)	9	Clermont Auvergne
Nemani Nagusa	Number 8	(1988-06-21)June 21, 1988 (aged 29)	8	Nadroga
Nikola Matawalu	Scrum-half	(1989-03-08)March 8, 1989 (aged 28)	32	Exeter Chiefs
Henry Seniloli	Scrum-half	(1989-06-15)June 15, 1989 (aged 28)	14	Timișoara Saracens
Serupepeli Vularika	Scrum-half	(1990-04-29)April 29, 1990 (aged 27)	8	Suva
Ben Volavola	Fly-half	(1991-01-13)January 13, 1991 (aged 26)	17	Melbourne Rebels
Levani Botia	Centre	(1989-03-14)March 14, 1989 (aged 28)	8	La Rochelle
Vereniki Goneva	Centre	(1984-04-05)April 5, 1984 (aged 33)	44	Newcastle Falcons
John Stewart	Centre	(1988-02-17)February 17, 1988 (aged 29)	1	Suva
Asaeli Tikoirotuma	Centre	(1986-06-24)June 24, 1986 (aged 31)	19	London Irish
Jale Vatubua	Centre	(1991-08-30)August 30, 1991 (aged 25)	3	Pau
Eroni Vasiteri	Centre	(1989-05-27)May 27, 1989 (aged 28)	3	Nadroga
Albert Vulivuli	Centre	(1985-05-26)May 26, 1985 (aged 32)	16	Racing 92
Benito Masilevu	Wing	(1989-10-07)October 7, 1989 (aged 27)	8	Brive
Nemani Nadolo	Wing	(1988-01-31)January 31, 1988 (aged 29)	26	Montpellier
Timoci Nagusa	Wing	(1987-07-14)July 14, 1987 (aged 29)	26	Montpellier
Patrick Osborne	Wing	(1987-06-14)June 14, 1987 (aged 30)	4	Highlanders
Josua Tuisova	Wing	(1994-02-04)February 4, 1994 (aged 23)	1	Toulon
Kini Murimurivalu	Fullback	(1989-05-15)May 15, 1989 (aged 28)	18	La Rochelle
Metuisela Talebula	Fullback	(1991-05-24)May 24, 1991 (aged 26)	22	Bordeaux Bègles

Samoa

On 29 May, Alama Ieremia named a 35-man squad ahead of Samoa's 2017 June tests against New Zealand and Wales and their Pacific Nations Cup / 2019 RWC Oceania qualification campaign in July.

More information Player, Position ...

Player	Position	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Club/province
Elia Elia	Hooker	(1996-01-22)January 22, 1996 (aged 21)	3	Harlequins
Seilala Lam	Hooker	(1989-02-18)February 18, 1989 (aged 28)	5	Nevers
Manu Leiataua	Hooker	(1986-12-26)December 26, 1986 (aged 30)	15	Bayonne
Viliamu Afatia	Prop	(1990-05-24)May 24, 1990 (aged 27)	17	Racing 92
Paul Alo-Emile	Prop	(1991-12-22)December 22, 1991 (aged 25)	2	Stade Français
Census Johnston	Prop	(1981-05-06)May 6, 1981 (aged 36)	57	Toulouse
James Lay	Prop	(1993-12-16)December 16, 1993 (aged 23)	0	Whakarewarewa
Jordan Lay	Prop	(1992-11-05)November 5, 1992 (aged 24)	0	Whakarewarewa
Nephi Leatigaga	Prop	(1993-12-05)December 5, 1993 (aged 23)	3	Piacenza
Hisa Sasagi	Prop	(1987-06-29)June 29, 1987 (aged 30)	1	Southern RFC
Bronson Tauakipulu	Prop	(1996-01-08)January 8, 1996 (aged 21)	1	Northshore
Fa'atiga Lemalu	Lock	(1989-04-17)April 17, 1989 (aged 28)	20	Saracens
Masalosalo Tutaia	Lock	(1984-06-05)June 5, 1984 (aged 33)	0	Pau
Chris Vui	Lock	(1993-02-11)February 11, 1993 (aged 24)	3	Worcester Warriors
Piula Faʻasalele	Flanker	(1988-01-22)January 22, 1988 (aged 29)	7	Toulouse
Alafoti Fa'osiliva	Flanker	(1985-10-28)October 28, 1985 (aged 31)	23	Worcester Warriors
Jack Lam	Flanker	(1987-11-18)November 18, 1987 (aged 29)	21	Bristol
Faifili Levave	Flanker	(1986-01-15)January 15, 1986 (aged 31)	14	Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars
Kelly Meafua	Flanker	(1990-10-16)October 16, 1990 (aged 26)	0	West Harbour
Fa'alemiga Selesele	Flanker	(1989-02-28)February 28, 1989 (aged 28)	5	Moataa
Galu Taufale	Flanker	(1987-03-17)March 17, 1987 (aged 30)	1	Poneke
Taiasina Tuifu'a	Flanker	(1984-08-20)August 20, 1984 (aged 32)	19	Lyon
Sanele Vavae Tuilagi	Number 8	(1988-06-15)June 15, 1988 (aged 29)	8	Carcassonne
Auvasa Faleali'i	Scrum-half	(1990-02-09)February 9, 1990 (aged 27)	0	Nevers
Kahn Fotuali'i	Scrum-half	(1982-05-22)May 22, 1982 (aged 35)	33	Bath
Dwayne Polataivao	Scrum-half	(1990-07-30)July 30, 1990 (aged 26)	3	Northcote RFC
D'Angelo Leuila	Fly-half	(1997-01-18)January 18, 1997 (aged 20)	6	Papatoetoe RFC
Tila Mealoi	Fly-half	(1991-06-28)June 28, 1991 (aged 26)	1	Apia Maroons
Tusi Pisi	Fly-half	(1982-06-18)June 18, 1982 (aged 35)	28	Bristol
Kieron Fonotia	Centre	(1988-02-02)February 2, 1988 (aged 29)	2	Ospreys
Rey Lee-Lo	Centre	(1986-02-20)February 20, 1986 (aged 31)	12	Cardiff Blues
Alapati Leiua	Centre	(1988-09-21)September 21, 1988 (aged 28)	13	Wasps
Henry Taefu	Centre	(1993-04-02)April 2, 1993 (aged 24)	0	Queensland Reds
David Lemi (c)	Wing	(1982-02-10)February 10, 1982 (aged 35)	49	Bristol
Tim Nanai-Williams	Wing	(1989-06-12)June 12, 1989 (aged 28)	6	Chiefs
Ken Pisi	Wing	(1989-02-24)February 24, 1989 (aged 28)	13	Northampton Saints
Albert Nikoro	Fullback	(1992-08-07)August 7, 1992 (aged 24)	6	West Scarborough
Ahsee Tuala	Fullback	(1989-08-23)August 23, 1989 (aged 27)	6	Northampton Saints

Tonga

On 9 June, Tonga named a 35-man extended squad for their 2017 June test against Wales and their Pacific Nations Cup / 2019 RWC Oceania qualification campaign in July.^[9]

More information Player, Position ...

Player	Position	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Club/province
Sione Lea	Hooker	(1987-01-12)12 January 1987 (aged 30)	3	Clifton
Paul Ngauamo	Hooker	(1990-02-19)19 February 1990 (aged 27)	10	Stade Montois
Suliasi Taufalele	Hooker	(1988-08-12)12 August 1988 (aged 28)	4	Ardmore Marist
Siegfried Fisiihoi	Prop	(1987-06-08)8 June 1987 (aged 30)	0	Chiefs
Siua Halanukonuka	Prop	(1986-08-09)9 August 1986 (aged 30)	4	Highlanders
Phil Kite	Prop	(1993-04-24)24 April 1993 (aged 24)	1	Queensland Reds
Sila Puafisi	Prop	(1988-04-15)15 April 1988 (aged 29)	27	Glasgow Warriors
Latu Talakai	Prop	(1989-12-26)26 December 1989 (aged 27)	1	Fraser Tech
Ben Tameifuna	Prop	(1991-08-30)30 August 1991 (aged 25)	1	Racing 92
Daniel Faleafa	Lock	(1989-02-13)13 February 1989 (aged 28)	11	Albi
Leva Fifita	Lock	(1989-07-29)29 July 1989 (aged 27)	1	Hamilton Old Boys
Steve Mafi	Lock	(1989-12-09)9 December 1989 (aged 27)	21	Castres Olympique
Vainanuma Manu	Lock	(1992-08-01)1 August 1992 (aged 24)	0	Marist
Harrison Mataele	Lock		0	Grammar TEC
Michael Faleafa	Flanker	(1992-02-03)3 February 1992 (aged 25)	1	Hikurangi
Nili Latu	Flanker	(1982-02-19)19 February 1982 (aged 35)	53	Newcastle Falcons
Sione Lolohea	Flanker		0	Silapelu’ua
Otenili Moala	Flanker		0	Hamilton Old Boys
Jack Ram	Flanker	(1987-01-14)14 January 1987 (aged 30)	11	Doncaster Knights
Sione Tau	Flanker	(1989-02-21)21 February 1989 (aged 28)	0	Agen
Valentino Mapapalangi	Number 8	(1993-07-13)13 July 1993 (aged 23)	4	Kia Toa
Leon Fukofuka	Scrum-half	(1994-09-08)8 September 1994 (aged 22)	1	Crusaders
Sefo Ma'ake	Scrum-half	(1991-09-15)15 September 1991 (aged 25)	1	Havelu Bulldogs
Sonatane Takulua	Scrum-half	(1991-01-11)11 January 1991 (aged 26)	21	Newcastle Falcons
Latiume Fosita	Fly-half	(1992-07-25)25 July 1992 (aged 24)	22	Papatoetoe
Kali Hala	Fly-half	(1991-03-06)6 March 1991 (aged 26)	6	Karaka
Siale Piutau (c)	Centre	(1985-10-13)13 October 1985 (aged 31)	28	Bristol
Viliami Tahituʻa	Centre	(1992-09-10)10 September 1992 (aged 24)	4	Yamaha Júbilo
Tevita Taufuʻi	Centre	(1988-03-21)21 March 1988 (aged 29)	1	Melville
Tuihakavalu Ika	Wing	(1995-05-12)12 May 1995 (aged 22)	0	Toloa Old Boys
Atieli Pakalani	Wing	(1989-08-02)2 August 1989 (aged 27)	0	Southern Districts
Nafi Tuitavake	Wing	(1989-01-21)21 January 1989 (aged 28)	5	Northampton Saints
Kiti Taimani Vaini	Wing		1	Grammar TEC
Cooper Vuna	Wing	(1987-07-05)5 July 1987 (aged 29)	2	Worcester Warriors
David Halaifonua	Fullback	(1987-07-05)5 July 1987 (aged 29)	22	Gloucester

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