Samoa

Fiji Warriors and Junior Japan both recorded bonus-point wins as the World Rugby Pacific Challenge 2017 came to a high-scoring conclusion at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.

Junior Japan doubled their tally of wins from the 2016 tournament with a 42-33 victory over Tonga A, before Fiji Warriors overcame Samoa A 48-25 to finish with a perfect record in the tournament.

Fuala Makisi became the second Japanese number eight after Tevita Tatafu in round one to score a hat-trick, while Fiji’s impressive Lepani Raiyala doubled his overall tally for the tournament with another brace.

Jelany Chilia was the pick of the bowlers, with 3 for 10, as Vanuatu dismissed Indonesia for 82 before the opening pair of Josh Rasu and Jonathon Dunn chased down their victory target in just 9.1 overs.

Samoa captain Ben Mailata starred with bat and ball in a seven wicket win over Japan.

The 32 year old claimed 5 for 27 as Japan were dismissed for 144 and then led the way with the bat, top-scoring with 58 not out from 52 balls, including five sixes, as the Polynesian side overhauled their target inside 26 overs.

The orientation sessions at APTC campuses in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on January 16 and 17, provided valuable information to new students on APTC facilities, student support services, regulations, and their responsibilities.

APTC is an innovative development program funded by the Australian Government, delivering internationally-recognised Australian skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers for skilled workers across the Pacific.

New Zealand Rugby has two years to run on its contract with World Rugby, but it struggled to get 10,000 people each day into Westpac Stadium.

After 18 years of Wellington playing host, there's fresh calls to take the tournament to Fiji, the home of the Rugby Sevens Olympic champions.

The NZR General Manager of Relationships, Planning and Operations Nigel Cass says the tournament has been arguably the world's most successful but it's not as fresh as it once was.

The Blues announced yesterday they will host the Reds in Apia in June.

It will be the first Super match played in Samoa and coincides with Samoa's 55th Independence Celebrations.

Fifteen players the Blues squad have Samoan heritage, along with head Coach Tana Umaga.

Jerome Kaino, who was born in American Samoa, said the team was already looking forward to the game.

"We're really proud of that fact that we're pioneers to be able to take that game to Samoa - you know being the first franchise to take it there. And it's only fitting that we get to do that.

Cook Islands champions Puaikura thrashed Veitongo FC from Tonga 4-0 on Saturday while Lupe edged American Samoa's Utelei Youth 4-3 in their opening encounter.

Puaikura coach Matt Calcott said his side was a bit rusty first up but should be better for the game.

"We're hoping to see an improvement in combinations, possession and probably a little bit more pressure. Our pressure lines need to be improved and we'll make sure they are given the work we've done in training this morning," he told OFC.

He said the whole squad knows how much is riding on today's game.

The Suva Sevens has a nice ring to it.

Former New Zealand sevens coach Gordon Tietjens, now in charge of the Samoan sevens team, has suggested taking the Wellington Sevens to the islands following their dire crowd numbers this past weekend.

He told 1News that a country like Samoa or Fiji would love to host a tournament on the World Rugby Sevens Series.

Just 18,000 out of a possible 70,000 are believed to have attended the annual Wellington event.

Puaikura take on Lupe Ole Soaga in a top of the table clash before Veitongo FC and Utulei Youth battle for their first points at Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Nuku’alofa.

Puaikura FC dominated hosts Veitongo FC 4-0 in the first day of action on 28 January and coach Matthew Calcott is confident they will continue that momentum in their match against Lupe Ole Soaga.

“A win always gives you a little bit of confidence and it’s been good to have these extra days to knit everything together. We just had a good session and I’m looking forward to tomorrow,” he said.

The young food innovators drew their inspiration from the Pacific and formed OLelei, the home of New Zealand’s best almond products.

According to the 17 year old Managing Director Matt Billington since OLelei is two-thirds Pasefika, they thought that it would be a good way to pay respects to their heritage.

“By using the word (Samoan) 'OLelei' with the rough translation to 'good' we believe this stands for all our products. Not only do they taste good but they are good for you,” Billington said. 

Nafanua, Leilani and Emma are 14, 12 and 10-years-old respectively, and their dad Xavier Lui is teaching them the traditional skills of Pacific sea voyaging.

Emma says she likes seeing turtles, riding the bow of the va'a ("boat" in Samoan), and feeling connected to her culture.

"It uncovers the history and you can make your own history while you sail, go on that big boat and make your own," she says, gesturing to the Samoan Voyaging Society's double-hulled canoe, the Gaualofa.