Samoa, Fiji close to contention

[RugbyFuture]

So we've been watching the southern versus northern nations and Fiji and Samoa (especially) have put up good fights. Will this continue, are they growing into contentious nations with possibilities of winning in upsets? should we be starting to focus international development on pushing them over that final line?

I believe that the sevens programs are what have effected this rise, what do you guys think?

 

[dobduff11]

They are always good around World Cup time, don't forget Tonga's win over the French barbarians today.

Would love to see some development for Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, would prefer it to go them than to Iran or Finland.

They would be so good if they got time to train together, oh and Rupeni caucau to tear up at the world cup!

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Rupeni Caucau was a big fat disappointment on the Fijian downunder tour.

So much promise, so much not shown.

Good to see the big fella performing.

Very fond memories of him vs Scotland at SFS in RWC 2003.

Sad to see the decline.

 

[dobduff11]

Its because they played him at centre when he was really fat and had a stupid haircut,

Fiji backline from 10 should be:
10. Bai
11. Rupeni
12. Rabeni
13. Lovolabavu/ that other guy that scored against wales
14. Nalaga / Delasau
15. Matavesi / Ligairi / William Ryder

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Its because they played him at centre when he was really fat and had a stupid haircut,

...snip

Stupidist haircut of all time must go to that other great PI winger Jonah Lomu when he sported the dog turd on top.

What is it about wingers and their hair?

 

[Langthorne]

Always close (look at the size speed and skill of those guys!), but often not quite there. I'd love to see them realise their potential.

 

[#1 Tah]

in 10 years, it will be the SH 6 nations with fiji and samoa in, and super rugby will expand to include some PI teams. This is only good for rugby, and further shows the dominance over mungoball as a true international sport.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Samoa were dead unlucky not to draw with or even beat the Scots. Fiji playing exciting and disciplined rugby.

If these guys can peak for RWC11 with all their potential cattle fit and available, then lookout.

 

[cyclopath]

Stupidist haircut of all time must go to that other great PI winger Jonah Lomu when he sported the dog turd on top.

What is it about wingers and their hair?

The Jonah merkin? Truly the zenith of rugby hairdos, especially couple with the 11 shaved out of the eyebrow.

 

[matty_k]

The Jonah merkin? Truly the zenith of rugby hairdos, especially couple with the 11 shaved out of the eyebrow.

Was that what that was.

 

[Jets]

Samoa have been great. I thought they were a chance against Ireland and they gave it to England. I haven't seen any of the Fiji games but the scores have been good. I would love them to do well in NZ next year.