Should A Pacific Islanders Touring Side Be Reinstated and How Would They Line Up Today?

In 2003, a Pacific Islanders touring side was given the go-ahead by the IRB (now World Rugby) to compete. The concept that was based on the British and Irish Lions composite side, was put forward Pacific Islanders Rugby Alliance and approved at the second time of asking with the support of the Tri-Nations sides.

A year later the side played their first Test against Australia in July 2004 before touring the Northern Hemisphere in 2006 and 2008. With most of the rugby unions worldwide struggling financially due to the impact of the coronavirus, the idea of a return of the side could boost the revenues of both the Pacific Island nations as well as the countries they tour.

This provides a unique opportunity for the Islanders, particularly due to the fact that the British and Irish Lions will be touring to South Africa in 2021. As they usually do, the Home Nations will still have test matches during 2021 while the likes of France, Australia, New Zealand Argentina, USA, Georgia, Italy and other nations will still be looking for tests of their own. 

A tour to Northern Hemisphere or even to Australia and New Zealand would certainly draw crowds particularly if the Pacific Islanders we have picked are granted a release from their respective clubs. Earlier this year, New Zealand Rugby also announced that an All Blacks XV side will also start operating once again. 

We have selected our side based on their international availability with the likes of Nemani Nadolo, Campese Ma'afu, Siale Piutua and Tusi Pisi not featuring after they called time on their test careers. As it is an invitational side we wouldn't surprised if players like Charles Piutau, Samu Kerevi and Steven Luatua are considered for the side but we have reluctantly excluded them from selection. 

So let's get into our selections:

Front Row: Logovi Mulipola, Motu Matu’u and Mike Alaalatoa

We have selected an all Samoan front row in Mulipola, Motu Matu'u and Mike Alaalatoa. There is more of a mix on the bench in Sam Matavesi (Fiji),  Paul Alo-Emile (Samoa) and Ben Tameifuna (Tonga).

Second Row: Chris Vui and Leone Nakawara

A second row that any test side would be happy to field. Nakawara is one of the best in his position worldwide and the skilful Fijian is paired with the brutal and hard-working Samoan Chris Vui.

There are a number of quality options to fill the two second-row slots with Steve Mafi backing up our chosen pair off the bench. At 36, Joe Tekori is unlikely to feature for the side but is well worth a notable mention while Tevita Cavubati is unlucky not to feature at all as too is Sam Louisi. 

Back Row: Dominoko Waqaniburotu, Peceli Yato and Viliame Mata 

The front row was dominated by Samoans but the back row is taken by a trio of Fijians and one that could mix it up with any side. 

Waqaniburotu is underrated blindside flanker and would likely lead this side with the impressive Clermont openside Peceli Yato and Edinburgh no.8 Viliame Mata.  

Mata wouldn't simply walk into the side with Samoa's Afaesetiti Amosa and Tonga's Ma'ama Vaipulu who are both incredible athletes. Again there is plenty of depth in the back row with Jack Lam, Zane Kapeli, Nasi Manu, Semi Kunatani and TJ Ioane not making the 23.

Halfbacks: Tane Takulua and Ben Volavola

Tonga's Takulua is well known in the Premiership for his excellent game management and would combine with the skilful Fijian Ben Volavola.

Samoa have two talented scrum-halves in Scott Malolua and Dwayne Polataivao but the backup halfback role goes to another Fijian in Frank Lomani with Nikola Matawalu and Henry Seniloli in the mix.

Josh Matavesi features on the bench as a back up flyhalf with fullback Tim Nanai-Williams also capable of playing the role and Matavesi also covering the centres.

Centres: Levani Botia and Semi Radradra

Like the back row, the Fijians take the centre roles. It was more of a question of where these two would fill in rather than if. Radradra is arguably one of the best outside centres in the game with the physical presence of Levani Botia inside of the Bear to be Radradra. 

Fijian Waisea Nayacalevu wouldn't be too far away from the side neither would be fellow countryman Jale Vatubua with Fijia having plenty of depth in the midfield. Samoans Reynold Lee-Lo and Kieron Fonotia wouldn't be too far away either.

Outside Backs: Josua Tuisova, Alapati Leiua and Tim Nanai-Williams

Destructive Fijian Josua Tuisova takes up the left wing with two Samoans in Alapati Leiua and Tim Nanai-Williams completing the side. 

There is some real x-factor off the bench in Telusa Veainu with all the Islander sides having more than enough options to fill the side.

Sinoti Sinoti, Ashee Tuala, Vereniki Goneva, Setriki Tuicuvu, Kini Murimurivalu, Filipo Nakosi and Alvereti Veitokani are just a few of the names not feature.  

Full team:

1. Logovi Mulipola - Samoa
2. Motu Matu’u - Samoa
3. Mike Alaatatoa - Samoa
4. Chris Vui - Samoa
5. Leone Nakawara - Fiji
6. Dominoko Waqaniburotu -Fiji (c)
7. Peceli Yato - Fiji
8. Viliamae Mata - Fiji

9. Tane Takulua - Tonga
10. Ben Volavola - Fiji
11. Josua Tuisova - Fiji
12. Levani Botia - Fiji
13. Semi Radradra - Fiji
14. Alapati Leiua - Samoa
15. Tim Nanai-Williams - Samoa

16. Sam Matavesi - Fiji
17. Paul Alo-Emile - Samoa
18. Ben Tameifuna - Tonga
19. Steve Mafi -Tonga
20. Afaesetiti Amosa - Samoa
21. Frank Lomani - Fiji
22. Josh Matavesi - Fiji
23. Telusa Veainu - Tonga