The Digicel Pacific Islanders team for Saturday...’s Test against Wales was named today by Head Coach Pat Lam.

Lam was extremely happy with his team declaring: ...“This is the best possible starting line up, and myself and the rest of the coaching staff have great faith in this team...’s ability to be highly competitive in all facets of play...”.



...“Of course, it would be great to have Rupeni in the run-on side but this squad has enormous strength in depth...”.



Captain of the Digicel Pacific Islanders Simon Raiwalui felt his team was definitely the underdog going into Saturday...’s Test match.



...“We have enormous respect for the Welsh as wherever possible they play the game in a similar fast, physical and entertaining manner,...” he said. ...“Despite the many changes they have named a strong lineup which will provide many challenges for us in key areas...”

Backs coach Shane Howarth, a former Welsh international said the interest from the Pacific Islands had been phenomenal, ...“We have been truly humbled by the many faxes and emails of support from Tonga, Fiji and Samoa. The messages are posted inside the team room and eagerly awaited by the guys ...– keep them coming please!...”



Last words lay with Raiwalui who will lead his team onto the Milleneum Stadium, ...“This is an historic day for Pacific Island rugby - these guys will carry this honour with them for the rest of their lives...”

Digicel Pacific Islanders v Wales, Millenium Stadium, 11 November 2006, at 14:30 GMT

Starting XV

1. Justin Va...’a (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) Samoa

2. Mahonri Schwalger (Wellington, NZ) Samoa

3. Tevita Taumoepeau (Worcester, England) Tonga

4. Simon Raiwalui (Saracens, England) Fiji (captain)

5. Daniel Leo (Wasps, England) Samoa

6. Semo Sititi (NTT Docomo Kansai, Japan) Samoa

7. Nili Latu (Bay of Plenty) Tonga

8. Hale T-Pole (Southland, NZ) Tonga

9. Moses Rauluni (Saracens, England) Fiji

10. Tusi Pisi (Massey, NZ) Samoa

11. Sailosi Tagicakibau (London Irish, England) Samoa

12. Seilala Mapasua (London Irish, England) Samoa

13. Seru Rabeni (Leicester, England) Fiji

14. Lome Fa...’atau (Wellington, NZ) Samoa

15. Norman Ligairi (Brive Correze, France) Fiji



Reserves

16. Aleki Lutui (Worcester, England) Tonga

17. Census Johnson (Taranaki, NZ) Samoa

18. Ma...’ama Molitika (IBM, Japan) Tonga

19. Epi Taione (Sanyo, Japan) Tonga

20. Junior Poluleuligaga (North Harbour, NZ) Samoa

21. Seremaia Bai (Clermont, France) Fiji

22. Kameli Ratuvou (Saracens, England) Fiji

Other Squad Members

Rupeni Caucau (Agen, France) Fiji

Isoa Domolailai (Toulon, France) Fiji

Taufa...’ao Felise (Cardiff Blues, Wales) Tonga

Aca Ratuva (Massy Essonne, France) Fiji

Elvis Seveali...’i (Sale, England) Samoa

Josh Taumalolo (Bristol, England) Tonga

Alesana Tuilagi (Leicester, England) Samoa

Viliami Vaki (Perpignan, France) Tonga

Staff

Head coach, Pat Lam

Assistant coach, backs, Shane Howarth

Assistant coach, scrum, Mike Casey

Team manager, Joe Browne

Logistics manager, Jo-Anne Ashby

Media manager, Dave Arthur

Doctor, Dr. Ben Matalavea

Physio, Cathy Wong

Masseur, Simione Kuruvoli

Trainer, Paul Davies

Video analyst, Marcus Agnew