Pacific Nations Cup

The tournament includes Fiji, Georgia, Romania, Samoa and Tonga.

Vunipola made his comments after a large section of the roof of the Teufaiva Stadium were severely damaged by Tropical Cyclone Gita last week.

“I don’t think it would have a “negative impact” on what we have planned for this year,” Vunipola told Kaniva News.

He said maintenance and upgrades of Teufaiva’s track events facilities were planned for June this year.

With the combined results of the 2016 and 2017 cups doubling as World Cup qualifiers, Samoa needed to at least draw with the unbeaten Fijians to overhaul Tonga and reach the tournament in Japan in two years time.

Even a bonus point in defeat might have been enough.

They led 16-14 at half time in Apia but had no answers as Fiji over-ran them in the second half.

Fiji, who secured qualification last week when they defeated Tonga 14-10, scored five tries in total, including a hat-trick to scrumhalf Henry Seniloli.

This is the ‘Ikale Tahi’s first attempt to earn entry to the Rugby World Cup Japan 2019.

The team assembled in Tongatapu last week and training before departing for Fiji yesterday.

Tonga will play against Fiji on June 11, Georgia on June 18 and Samoa June 25.

‘Ikale Tahi

   Sione Faletau, Counties Manukau

    Ben Tameifuna, Racing Metro 92

    Eddie ‘Aholelei, London Welsh

    Sila Puafisi, Glasglow

    Kama Sakalia, Counties Manukau

    Elvis Taione, Exeter Chiefs