Friday, November 07, 2008
Pacific Islanders combined war dance - Siva Tau
While England will be looking to build continuity and combinations ahead of three weekends of massive Test matches, the Pacific Islanders will as always, be out to prove what a force they can be.
Theyve picked a strong side, and with the privilege of having the captains of each of the three nations, theyll have plenty of experience and leadership to call on if the game goes down to the wire.
With experience playing in France and the UK, the Pacific Islanders backline contains a whos who of star performers from both the Guinness Premiership and the Top 14. Names like Delasau, Rabeni, Mapasua, Tagicakibau, and Ratuvou all have the finishing ability to snap up the smallest of chances afforded to them.
The forwards read pretty similarly as theres experience all round. The hard hitting loose trio in particular will be out to intimidate and leave their mark as the side go in search of a historic first win at Twickenham.
One of the features of the match will be pre kick off as well see the fascinating Siva Tau performed as a challenge to the opponents. It comprises of elements of the Fijian Cibi, the Samoan Siva Tau, and the Tongan Sipi Tau.
This short clip illustrates nicely how the three traditional war dances have been combined specifically for the Pacific Islanders a side that will be looking to spring an upset or two over the next few weeks.
Team vs England
15. Kameli Ratuvou (Fiji) 14. Sailosi Tagicakibau (Samoa) 13. Seru Rabeni (Fiji) 12. Seilala Mapusua (Samoa) 11. Vilimoni Delasau (Fiji) 10. Pierre Hola (Tonga) 9. Mosese Raulini (Fiji) 8. Finau Maka (Tonga) 7. Nili Latu (Tonga) 6. Semisi Naevo (Fiji) 5. Kele Leawere (Fiji) 4. Filipo Levi (Samoa) 3. Census Johnston (Samoa) 2. Aleki Lutui (Tonga) 1. Justin Vaa (Samoa)
16. Sunia Koto (Fiji) 17. Kisi Pulu (Tonga) 18. Hale T Pole (Tonga) 19. George Stowers (Samoa) 20. Sililo Martens (Tonga) 21. Seremaia Bai (Fiji) 22. Epi Taione (Tonga)
Posted at 10:40 am | 17 comments
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Viewing 17 comments
Patrick November 07, 2008 11:54 am
i haven't heard any one give the islanders a chance but i think they're gonna give england a right good game. the elv's have made people kick a lot of aimless ball down the middle of the field and if england do that against these boys then they'll run it back all day long. does anybody know why akapusi qera isn't in the squad, i think he's a deadly player...... not that the backrow they picked isn't brilliant, Nili Latu nearly beat england on his own in the world cup!
Peej November 07, 2008 12:43 pm
I agree Patrick! Qera is currently injured, otherwise he'd be a shoe in.I love how their little mascot falls over a camera cable or something! he recovers quite well!
Simon November 07, 2008 1:32 pm
Believe me none of us english think this will be a walkover, you only need to look at that team and see some of the quality they have. I think we will eventually win because of organisation etc but they will hit us hard no doubt.
adrian November 07, 2008 3:21 pm
I quite like the combined war dance.its pretty cool
Anonymous November 07, 2008 5:33 pm
that is one BIG back line and they will be a handful no doubt.but you have to think that their skills let them down when it comes to the pressure momentswill be a great game though
Cheyanqu November 07, 2008 5:58 pm
anonymous said "that it one BIG back line"Sure enough. There are only three positions in island rugby:LockScrumhalfEveryone elseGotta love the Tongan part of the challenge:"Tackle You and Drop You... and stay down man" -- no bullshit there!I'll take Moses Raulini on my team or in my foxhole, any day.
212 November 07, 2008 9:51 pm
oh my god. that is the most frightening thing I have ever seen in my entire life.
Zielinski November 07, 2008 10:45 pm
Bring it on Pacific Islanders! They have a chance against anyone, but they have to get rid of their lack of organisation as we've seen in the past (Fiji vs Wales was a perfect example of this). The second they work that problem out of their rugby they will crush everyone with their sheer speed and raw power, or at least give up as good a fight and propose as nice, clean play as anyone in the top tier of rugby. Just look at their determination in this clip if you need extra proof.
Zielinski November 07, 2008 10:47 pm
I meant to say "Fiji vs Wales was a good example of how they did this" (getting rid of their persistent lack of organisation)
Dan November 07, 2008 11:55 pm
Talking of players left out of the PI team, Molitika has been playing well for the Cardiff Blues, and is a major part of why they have been quite successful in the last few weeks. Wonder why he isnt there, anyone have any ideas?They'll definitely give them a good game regardless, and that war dance would be quite a thing to see.
Scott (Sports Hydran November 08, 2008 3:03 am
I think this could be a really interesting one - if we're talking current form, the Pacific Islanders have a few players who will be ones to watch - Seilala Mapusua, Seilosi Tagicakibau, Finau Maka, Vilimoni Delasau - these guys are all firing for their clubs.If you want to see the guys lay down their challenge on this tour, you should definitely check out the video of them performing the Siva Tau in front of the Houses of Parliament!!http://snurl.com/580gjClassic! I love the English parlimentarian who chips in with "Tea and cucumber sandwiches" after as well - hilarious :-)
Sambobly November 08, 2008 3:45 am
I actually saw Moses Raulini on the streets of Brisbane around December last year. It took me a little while to recognise him but by that time he was gone. I think that his family used to live in Brisbane and I think his brother used to play for the Reds.
Paul November 08, 2008 10:26 am
Nice video...despite some poor translation..anyways, in whatever language, the meaning is pretty clear..Here's hoping for some good pacific-barbarian rugby tommorrow!!
clev November 08, 2008 11:40 am
i will tackle you a drop youdon't think they'll have a problem with that
Anonymous November 08, 2008 1:39 pm
haha absolutely awesome.hoping for an upset here... nvr liked england, nvr will.Dont mean to be an ass... but just saying...
Cheyanqu November 08, 2008 3:46 pm
Sports Hydrant,Cool stuff. Nice to see the behind-the-scenes stuff covered, particularly for rugby teams that don't usually have a full press entourage behind them.Would have been funny if the parliamentarians had of bound up arms over shoulders to accept the challenge!One request: please cover at least one training day meal. Always great to see just how much a group of rugby boys can eat.
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