Fiji Warriors first Pacific Rugby Cup [1]
Wednesday, June 3, 2009 - 18:19. Updated on Sunday, May 11, 2014 - 11:16.
The Fiji Warriors thrashed the Upolu Samoa 19-7 at Apia Park on Saturday May 30 to become the champion of the 2009 IRB Pacific Rugby Cup.
It was the first time for a Fijian team to win the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup since its inauguration in 2006. Upolu Samoa won the Pacific Rugby cup in 2007, and the Tonga Tautahi Gold last year.
The IRB website reported that Warriors Head Coach Ifereimi Tawake was elated with his team's performance. "The boys played with their heart and our defence won the game and I am very proud of the boys."
He added that the win was important for their RWC 2011 preparations.
"These players are the future, this is great for Fiji rugby. I told them we were leaving our shores to win the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup and we did."
FIJI WARRIORS
1. Alefoso Yalayalatabua (captain)
2. Viliame Veikoso
3. Viliame Seuseu
4. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa
5. Ben Sadrugu
6. Leone Nakarawa
7. Samu Bola
8. Koresi Ledua
9. Aporosa Vata
10. Alipate Tani
11. Apisalome Waqatabu
12. Ravai Fatiaki
13. Ropate Ratu
14. William Saukuru
15. Iliesa Keresoni
UPOLU SAMOA
1. James Johnston
2. Loleni Tafunai
3. Roysiu Tolufale
4. Tim Nelson
5. Finauga Segi
6. Misioka Timoteo
7. Ofisa Treviranus
8. George Stowers (captain)
9. Paul Tuala Chang Teng
10. Ki Anufe
11. Esera Lauina
12. Jerry Meafou
13. Anitele'a Tuilagi
14. Taulagi Afamasanga
15. Titi Jnr. Esau.