Team Lists for the 2011 Oceania Sevens Championship
Host nation Samoa has named a strong squad for the 2011 Oceania Sevens starting today in Apia.
Eight of the 12 who won the gold medal in the XIV Pacific Games in Nouméa (in early September) back up for the IRB-funded tournament at their home ground, Apia Park.
Captain Uale Mai, the world’s most-capped sevens player, says they are ready to perform for their supporters.
“It’s a special moment playing on our home ground in front of all our people though we will need to work hard tomorrow as we haven’t played together since the Pacific Games,” said the 33-year old who has played almost 80 international tournaments for Samoa. “It’s a chance for our people to come and support our team today and tomorrow.”
Loose forward Ofisa Treviranus and winger David Lemi have returned from RWC 2011 duty, along with Alatasi Tupou, who has 28 caps on the HSBC Sevens World Series, and 18-year old debutant Talaga Alafipo, and Mai says they all bring a lot to the squad.
“It’s good to have David and Ofisa back into our team and we have been working together on our fitness which is important for the tournament. While it’s a blow to lose Reupena Levasa and Mikaele Pesamino (to injury) the new players get an opportunity before the HSBC Sevens World Series.”
Mai singled out Australia (playing with a squad of only 11), Fiji and Tonga as the main threats for the tournament which is forecast to be played in tropical conditions. Rain and thundery storms are expected with a high of 29 degrees.
“Australia and Fiji have had good preparation from last week’s Marist Sevens although this week is another level,” said Mai. “The weather will be a factor and the home conditions should suit us. We are looking for a win, to build our combinations and to get some good competition before the HSBC Sevens World Series.”
Samoa won the 2008 Oceania Championships at home in 2008, thrashing Tonga 52-0 in the final, and again in 2009 in Papéete beating Tonga 31-14. Australia is the defending champion with their 34-12 win over Samoa in Darwin last October.
Results and updates for the 2011 Oceania Sevens Championships can be found on www.oceaniarugby.com
AMERICAN SAMOA:
David Laban (C); Joseph Poyer; Kamilo Soi; Nard Umayam; Ross Poyer; Iosefo Tapusoa; Mcclusky Fa’agata; Maiu’u Taula; Tasiivavaluvalu Tapuala; Iakopo Atonio; Meleah Timo; Tavita Silva;
AUSTRALIA:
Bill Meakes; BJ Hartmann; Con Foley; Danny Routledge; Hamish Angus; James Turner; Jordan Brown; Jordan Smiler; Jordan Tuapou; Lindsay Crook; Pama Fou
COOK ISLANDS:
Ashley Drake; Mathew Titou; Sailosi Nagi; Kairan Mahia; Dexter Moroney; Beau Mokotupu; Koiatu Koiatu; Francis Takiari; Duane Gukisuva; Taikina Mangu; Eddie Nicholas; Richie Connal
FIJI:
James Brown; Timoci Davu; Levani Veivukei; Apakuki Vuaviri; Setefano Cakau (C); Watisoni Votu; Semi Radradra; Joji Ragamate; Livai Ikanakoda; Waisale Lagilagi; Aporosa Tabulawaki; Sevuloni Lutu
NEW CALEDONIA:
Jeoffrey Vaitanaki (C), Lolesio Mauvaka, Petelo Folutanoa, Elyas Kopoui, Kalama Tiatia Opa, Freidy Totele, Jean Baptiste Talau, Petelo Mauvaka, Brayan Gutugutulua, Jacko Dihace, Filimo Taofifenua
NIUE:
Mathew Faleuka (C); Danny Atamu; Uani Talagi; Fetaaki Pulu; Hayden Head; Tony Pulu; Vincent Pihigia; Sanualio Sakalia; Huggard Tongatule; Kenny Akulu; Daniel Makaia; Ricki Helagi
PAPUA NEW GUINEA:
Montgomery Diave; Smith Lakas; Billy Torea; Douglas Guise; Christopher Kakah; Eugene Tokavai; Henry Liliket; Roland Namo; Tisa Kautu; Albert Levi; Jason Missian; Gairo Varo
SAMOA:
Ofisa Treviranus; Simaika Mikaele; Faalemiga Selesele; Afa Aiono; Talaga Alofipo; Uale Mai (C); Lolo Lui; Tom Iosefo; Fale So’oialo; Robert Lilomaiava; Alatasi Tupou; David Lemi
SOLOMON ISLANDS:
Jeffery Maungatu’u; Stewart Baiabe; Joseph Wale Masikwai; Roman Tongaka; Carlwyn Tengemoana (C); Jonathan Kaitu’u; Harris Giusaga; Cameron Suamoana; John Bakila; Leslie Puia; Adrian Tokatake; Fraser Manau
TONGA:
Jack Ram; Paula Kata; Simana Halaifonua; Feleti Fifita; Vaea Poteki (C); Atelea Okati; Sepuloni Taufa; Seilame Tukuafu; Ofa Finau; Stewart Manako; Keori Okati; Tevita Halaifonua