Manu Samoa

A current member of the Pacific Players’ Association, Seilala Mapusua told TVNZ1’s Breakfast this morning the unlevel playing field faced by Tier Two nations is more dire than World Rugby acknowledges.

“Until we see some real change and movement from the north, it’s going to carry on being this way,” said Mapusua who was speaking after Fijian born Sevu Reece impressed for the All Blacks in their win over Australia.

The Steve Jackson-coached side is currently in 16th place behind Tonga who is currently in 15th.

Samoa recorded its best position back in 2013 when they were ranked 7th before dropping to 17th from last year.

The ‘Ikale Tahi’ Tongan rugby side on the other hand, recorded its best position back in 2011 finishing in top ten and placing in ninth place.

Fiji has currently dropped from eighth to tenth place in the rankings.

The Rugby World Cup will be held from 20 September to 2 November in Japan.

The Steve Jackson coached side lost to USA 13-10 last week.

Filo Paulo remains in the second‑row while TJ Ioane moves from openside to number eight.

In the backs, outside centre Kieron Fonotia and full‑back Ahsee Tuala survive the cut.

Logovi'i Munipola, Motu Matu'u and Paul Alo Emile form an all‑new front‑row partnership and Kane Leaupepe joins Paulo in the second row.

Jack Lam captains Samoa for the fourth time at openside and Chris Vui packs down on the other flank.

Head Coach Steve Jackson said they know that it will be a physical and rugged rugby experience.

 “Any Fiji and Samoa test is foremost going to be physical battle and big collisions, he said.

“I have told the boys to stick to a system and structure and those who will be on the ground will expect physical contacts.”

Jackson adds Fiji has beaten some very good teams and it would be a very exciting match to watch.

“This is an opportunity to get our confidence back after last weekend will be looking to step up our game and run the game as we expect.”

Coach John McKee says he will mix his line-up with some senior and experienced players.

“This week you’ll see probably see some players who have never played up until now to now to combine with some who have been playing in the past weeks.” 

The Fiji Times reports that the players are bracing for a fast and physical Pacific rugby rivalry encounter on Saturday in the World Rugby sanctioned tournament.

Fiji has fallen short of retaining the title after their loss to Japan in the first round and a win against Canada in the second round.

The 38-16 loss at Apia Park, Samoa's fourth successive test defeat, reduced them to 16th in the world rankings, their lowest position since the index was introduced in 2003.

Head coach Alama Ieremia said everyone was hurting and he accepted that all results, good or bad, ultimately came back to him.

"I'm the head coach so I take full responsibility for anything that happens in the campaign so I've got no issues with that," he said.

Getting his first start for the Manu is Bay of Plenty prop Jordan Lay.

Lay's brother James is on the bench and will make his debut if gets on the field.

The other two changes sees young hooker Elia Elia get a start and experienced flanker Jack Lam returns from injury.

RNZI reports the backline remains unchanged.

Head Coach Namulauulu Alama Ieremia said he has selected a team he believes can counter a strong Fijian side that will be full of confidence.

The France-based winger, who had been on destructive mode since appearing for Fiji in the ongoing World Rugby Test series, is expected to be an impact player in the team's campaign to win the PNC.

Tonga leads the tally after two games.

Fiji Times reports a win this weekend for the Fijians will ensure we retain the annual title.

Tuisova's 7s Rio Olympics teammate and off-load king Leone Nakarawa is expected to be on his 'A'-game after showing A-grade elusive ball handling skills against the Ikale Tahi in Nuku'alofa last weekend.

The 'Ikale Tahi triumphed 30-26 in Nuku'alofa, in front of ten thousand fervent supporters in the first test match at Teufaiva Stadium for eight years.

RNZI reports the home side raced out to a 14-3 lead in the opening 20 minutes but Manu Samoa closed the gap to one point at half-time, courtesy of a Faifili Levave try and two more penalties from Tusi Pisi.

With the match in the balance at 20-19, halfback Sonatone Takulua completed a breakaway Tongan try from inside their own half and added the extras to make it 30-19 with half an hour to play.

Wales bagged a second consecutive win over a Pacific team, beating Manu Samoa 19-17 after trailing for most of the match.

Wing Steffan Evans scored in the 72nd minute to win it for Wales.

Earlier Alapati Leiua and Manu Leiataua had crossed the line for Samoa.

Robin McBryde told BBC Wales his team showed immense character.

"After going 10-0 down early on in the first half, it's like 20-0 in these conditions, you know, and we stayed in there and we soaked it up," McBryde said.