SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs)
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My snarking at Piutau, aside.
Those are some good pickups for Tonga, and I'm pleased.
I'd prefer a 1 nation only rule if professional rugby had a decent global club system, and T2s had a decent well paying international program . But we dont, so I can live with this compromise.
Fekitoa, obviously class, still 29, but will be 31 next RWC centre is a difficult position at top level.
Timani. Tight forward, excellent pickup.
Fa'ainganuku the elder, a still young outside back, rather than the 30 year olds they normally get after wasting their prime in SR central contracting.
I know nothing about the 4th guy, ex Australian 7s.
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There were rumored to be some Samoan ex-ABs going to do this at the same comp, but couldn't "sort flights".
On original rumours , I had assumed Euro-based players. But flights? To Monaco, surely not an insurmountable barrier to UK based or French based. So is it NZ or Japan based players? Anyone got inside info? Abs or 'AB 7s'?
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Bummer. Looks like Fainga'anuku won't be going through the loophole. Covid and closed borders ...
Ta$man winger Tima Fainga'anuku was set to join the sevens team in Monaco, but because he only has a Tongan passport Immigration New Zealand said he would be unable to re-enter the country on his return.
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Rugby Australia has confirmed the first Test between the Wallabies and France will be moved from the SCG to Suncorp Stadium.
Along with this, the Wallaroos two-Test series against Samoa has been postponed, set to be played later in the year.WALLABIES V FRANCE UPDATED FIXTURES
Wallabies v France, Wednesday 7 July, 8.00 pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies v France, Tuesday 13 July, 8.00 pm AEST at AAMI Park, Melbourne
Wallabies v France, Saturday 17 July, 8.00 pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane -
In the opening round of the Rugby Africa Cup, a competition that makes up part of the Rugby World Cup 2023 qualifying process, the Ivory Coast registered a 24-13 victory over Namibia, whilst Senegal defeated Kenya 20-19. It was a late converted try for Senegal that ultimately proved decisive as they claimed victory over a side more than 20 places above them in the World Rugby Rankings.
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@daffy-jaffy yep.. Both huge upsets. Interesting matches ahead.
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@daffy-jaffy said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
In the opening round of the Rugby Africa Cup, a competition that makes up part of the Rugby World Cup 2023 qualifying process, the Ivory Coast registered a 24-13 victory over Namibia, whilst Senegal defeated Kenya 20-19. It was a late converted try for Senegal that ultimately proved decisive as they claimed victory over a side more than 20 places above them in the World Rugby Rankings.
Oh gawd imagine having Ivory Coast or Senegal in your pool. 102-0 … but at half time!
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The Mako Nation is playing Cook Islands tomorrow at 1 pm. The Ta$man High Performance XV is named on this site and the game is to be livestreamed here as well. (Can't cut and paste the team - the file is too big and I can't be arsed reducing it) - but, good to see Jack Grooby back.
Other significant point of interest might be Campbell Parata at 1st five.
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@machpants said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
@daffy-jaffy said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
In the opening round of the Rugby Africa Cup, a competition that makes up part of the Rugby World Cup 2023 qualifying process, the Ivory Coast registered a 24-13 victory over Namibia, whilst Senegal defeated Kenya 20-19. It was a late converted try for Senegal that ultimately proved decisive as they claimed victory over a side more than 20 places above them in the World Rugby Rankings.
Oh gawd imagine having Ivory Coast or Senegal in your pool. 102-0 … but at half time!
Africa 1 is on our pool for 2023.
I was thinking it would be good to have a different African qualifier for first time in 20 odd years, but, yeah, nah, not this time please.
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Tonga scrambling to make up the numbers for Cook Islands clash
Tonga is struggling to find enough players to take on the Cook Islands in Saturday's Rugby World Cup qualifying match in Auckland.
The 'Ikale Tahi capped 17 new players during tests against the All Blacks and Samoa this month, with most of their European based stars unavailable because of Covid-19 travel restrictions.
Thirty players were in camp ahead of last weekend's second test against Samoa - a World Cup qualifier - in Hamilton, but injuries and unavailability have depleted their squad further, with just 27 players in the mix to play on Saturday afternoon.
Hooker Siua Maile, lock Harrison Mataele and number eight Nasi Manu picked up a knock during Saturday's 37-15 defeat in Kirikiriroa, joining Solomone Funaki and Zane Kapeli on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Maama Vaipulu has returned to his day job as a builder, Kali Hala has a family bereavement and Aisea Halo is back with the North Harbour NPC team.There is some good news, however. Tonga's only fit lock, Don Lolo, who also had to return to work this week, will rejoin the camp on Thursday and is available to play on Saturday.
Former Tonga Under-20s lock Kelemete Finau and ex New Zealand Under 20s number eight Tovo Faleafa have joined the squad this week, while Waikato Development centre Paula Mahe and Bay of Plenty based lock Semisi Paea have been elevated to the full squad after training with the team in recent weeks.
Waikato Development hooker Anton Milnes is also training with the squad in Cambridge.
While it's not good that they have to scrape the barrel in NZ to find enough players, they're only playing the Cook Islands, who also have to rely on club rugby players. -
@stargazer said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
ex New Zealand Under 20s number eight Tovo Faleafa
Think he was playing for Grammar TEC last year, and in the Auckland wider training group. Any idea who he's playing for now?
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@stargazer said in SH International Rugby (other than TRC, ABs):
Waikato Development hooker Anton Milnes is also training with the squad in Cambridge.
He's Tongan? Who knew.
I am surprised that Sekope Lopeti-Moli wasn't asked. Unless he was, and declined.