CI RESIDENTS 15 – 10 FIJI RESIDENTS –Friday 13/11/20
With the scores locked at 10-all, in the 81st minute of play a 35 metre “pick & go” drive resulting in a try to loosehead prop Toru Katuke compliments of his CI Residents (“CIR”) forward pack lead by Captain Thomas Toa, Rob Heather and Ayden Kapi. The dominance of the CIR pack at set piece and in the breakdown area showcasing the strength of this team – a similar “pick & go” first try was scored by their lively hooker John Vano in the first half.
On paper Fiji Residents with their speedy backline and loose forward trio they were expected to win this match however their inability to build consistent pressure with lack of physicality at the breakdown area and some handling errors at crucial times their undoing.
The evenness of the Week 1 (of 3) “Round Robin” contest keeping supporters from both sides on the edge of their seats throughout this match.
In the first half the score was 7-all.
Best players for Fiji Residents were; loose forward Semeli Ravula and first 5/8 Lelepi Komaisavou.
Best players for the CI were young loose forward Ayden Kapi and Jeronia Raea – who showed his versatility by starting the match at 2nd 5/8 and then finishing the match tighthead prop!
CI RESDENTS : 15 Tries: John Vano & Toru Katuke Conv & Pen: Leo Roa
Last Friday at Arorangi Field in match #2 of the Tri Nations 15s series multi-skilled loose forward Afeleti Anau or better known as Fereti Iona (Tupapa Panthers) went on a points-scoring spree by scoring all of Samoa’ 22 points with a try and 17 points off the boot.
Although Fiji led for the majority of this match, at one stage by 10 – nil, they were unable to shake off a persistent Samoa team who kept chipping away at their heels – refusing to give up the fight.
Similar to last weeks’ defeat (10 – 15 v CI), again Fiji started well but they were unable to finish the job, the 78th minute penalty goal kicked by Anau the only time in this match that Samoa actually led and that is how the game finished with Samoa winning by 22 – 21.
Best players for Fiji were; lock Mika Leawere, first 5/8 Kelepi Komaisavou and loose forward Simeli Ravula.
Apart from Anau, Samoa bests players were; number 8 Leki Heavula and prop Jeffrey Mangele.
Fiji led at halftime by 16 – 13.
SAMOA Residents: 22 Try: Afeleti Anau Conv: 1 A Anau Pen: 5 A Anau
REVIEW: Friday 27/11/20 @ 5pm Arorangi Field – Tri Nations 15s match #3 (Final) SAMOA Residents 28 – 20 COOK ISLANDS
A Man of the Match performance by classy Samoa first 5/8 Viiga Ruepena helped guide his team to a 28 – 20 victory in this inaugural Tri Nations 15s final match played at Arorangi Field last Friday.
Although Samoa were obliterated in the scrums they stayed in the match through their free-spirited running game which consistently tested the CI team defense especially in the wider channels.
The CI team had sufficient possession but late in the match they seemed to kick it away needlessly – much to Samoa’ delight – as Samoa gladly returned the ball with plenty of interest.
CI best players were: loose forwards; Ayden Kapi, Thomas Toa & Tereinga Henry and prop Jeronia Raea.
Best players for Samoa were; first 5/8 Ruepena and forwards Afeleti Anau and Oswell Tunupopo.
CI led at halftime by 14 – 10.
The inaugural Tri Nations 15s has been a refreshing inclusion to the CIRU calendar, to unify our community, the close competition added to the weekly excitement, with the potential build local capacity.
Thank you to all involved; the teams – coaches & management(CI, Samoa & Fiji), Arorangi Rugby Club – our 2020 hosts, referees, Vodafone, Vaka TV, volunteers and supporters, meitaki ma’ata & God bless you all.
SAMOA: 28 Tries: Viiga Ruepena, Afeleti Anau & Oswell Tunupopo Conv: V Ruepena (2) Pen: V Ruepena(2) Pot: V Ruepena
COOK ISLANDS: 20 Tries: Arona Ngari & Peter Marsters Conv: Daniel Toa (2) Pen: D Toa (2)
COOK ISLANDS SQUAD PREPARATION
2020 TRI-NATIONS – Rugby 15s ##UPDATE
In this year of uncertainty we need to be innovative, bold and strategic! With no flights and no visiting teams or players, we need to strategically look at innovative ways to make our internal competition exciting and meaningful hence the Tr-Nations idea that came to light from ex-CI National 15s player Pare Rongokea Jnr.
In terms of local Rugby 15s, the highest level of Senior Grade rugby you can play each year is the Rarotonga Club 15s Finals – provided your team make the Finals! The Tri-Nations concept is the next step above club-level, called regional level-rugby, which will see 3 residential community teams; Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa play a Round-Robin series of matches against each other during the month of November 2020.
All Tri-Nations matches will be played at the Arorangi Field, the Draw as follows:
Friday 13th November: CI v SAMOA
Friday 20th November: CI v FIJI
Friday 27th November 2020: SAMOA v FIJI
Team Cook Islands Residents Training:
In preparation for the Tri Nations series the Cook Islands team will be training this Thursday 29/10/20 @ 5pm at the BCI Stadium (Nikao) – the squad as follows:
Stanley Tobia, Toru Katuke, Daniel Tonorio, Marouna Ioane, Davey Mato, Jeronia Raea, John Vano, Tepaki Mani, Josh Caffrey, Kana Nga, Papa Li Ponini, Tereinga Cowan, Nick Connal, Adyn Kapi, Genesis Piri, Robert Heather Jnr, Thomas Toa, David Toa, Timo Tangirere, Oki Naea, Arona Ngari Jnr, Jason Potoru, Basil Matapo, Matamanea Matapakia, Peter Marsters, Stephen Willis, Mark Tuaati, James Strickland, Josh Motu, Maeva Mateariki, Leo Roa, Allan Toa, Daniel Toa, Matt Maui, Teariki Matenga Jnr.
This is also an open invitation to anyone who is keen to have a go – they are also most welcome to attend training this Thursday 29/10/20 @ 5pm BCI Stadium (Nikao).
Please bring your boots, running shoes, bottle of water, spare change and lots of enthusiasm!
Any queries please contact the Coaches Darren – 54101 or Tavake 52497
Lets’ get behind all our teams (CI, Samoa & Fiji) as we look to enhance local rugby and build local capacity.
Tri-Nations Tournament
Game #1 – COOKS DEFEAT FIJI
CI RESIDENTS 15 – 10 FIJI RESIDENTS – Friday 13/11/20
With the scores locked at 10-all, in the 81st minute of play a 35 metre “pick & go” drive resulting in a try to loosehead prop Toru Katuke compliments of his CI Residents (“CIR”) forward pack lead by Captain Thomas Toa, Rob Heather and Ayden Kapi. The dominance of the CIR pack at set piece and in the breakdown area showcasing the strength of this team – a similar “pick & go” first try was scored by their lively hooker John Vano in the first half.
On paper Fiji Residents with their speedy backline and loose forward trio they were expected to win this match however their inability to build consistent pressure with lack of physicality at the breakdown area and some handling errors at crucial times their undoing.
The evenness of the Week 1 (of 3) “Round Robin” contest keeping supporters from both sides on the edge of their seats throughout this match.
In the first half the score was 7-all.
Best players for Fiji Residents were; loose forward Semeli Ravula and first 5/8 Lelepi Komaisavou.
Best players for the CI were young loose forward Ayden Kapi and Jeronia Raea – who showed his versatility by starting the match at 2nd 5/8 and then finishing the match tighthead prop!
CI RESDENTS : 15 Tries: John Vano & Toru Katuke Conv & Pen: Leo Roa
FIJI RESIDENTS: 10 Try: Jone Bogitini Conv & Pen: Kelepi Komaisavou
Samoa Residents vs Fiji Residents
Match 2: Friday 20/11/20
Tri Nations 15s #Match 2: SAMOA 22 – 21 FIJI………AFELETI DEFEATS FIJI
Last Friday at Arorangi Field in match #2 of the Tri Nations 15s series multi-skilled loose forward Afeleti Anau or better known as Fereti Iona (Tupapa Panthers) went on a points-scoring spree by scoring all of Samoa’ 22 points with a try and 17 points off the boot.
Although Fiji led for the majority of this match, at one stage by 10 – nil, they were unable to shake off a persistent Samoa team who kept chipping away at their heels – refusing to give up the fight.
Similar to last weeks’ defeat (10 – 15 v CI), again Fiji started well but they were unable to finish the job, the 78th minute penalty goal kicked by Anau the only time in this match that Samoa actually led and that is how the game finished with Samoa winning by 22 – 21.
Best players for Fiji were; lock Mika Leawere, first 5/8 Kelepi Komaisavou and loose forward Simeli Ravula.
Apart from Anau, Samoa bests players were; number 8 Leki Heavula and prop Jeffrey Mangele.
Fiji led at halftime by 16 – 13.
SAMOA Residents: 22 Try: Afeleti Anau Conv: 1 A Anau Pen: 5 A Anau
FIJI Residents: 21 Tries: Mika Leawere & Josh Koroi Conv: Kelepi Komaisavou Pen: Kelpi Komaisavou (3)
The FINAL – Samoa Residents vs Cook Islands
REVIEW: Friday 27/11/20 @ 5pm Arorangi Field – Tri Nations 15s match #3 (Final) SAMOA Residents 28 – 20 COOK ISLANDS
A Man of the Match performance by classy Samoa first 5/8 Viiga Ruepena helped guide his team to a 28 – 20 victory in this inaugural Tri Nations 15s final match played at Arorangi Field last Friday.
Although Samoa were obliterated in the scrums they stayed in the match through their free-spirited running game which consistently tested the CI team defense especially in the wider channels.
The CI team had sufficient possession but late in the match they seemed to kick it away needlessly – much to Samoa’ delight – as Samoa gladly returned the ball with plenty of interest.
CI best players were: loose forwards; Ayden Kapi, Thomas Toa & Tereinga Henry and prop Jeronia Raea.
Best players for Samoa were; first 5/8 Ruepena and forwards Afeleti Anau and Oswell Tunupopo.
CI led at halftime by 14 – 10.
The inaugural Tri Nations 15s has been a refreshing inclusion to the CIRU calendar, to unify our community, the close competition added to the weekly excitement, with the potential build local capacity.
Thank you to all involved; the teams – coaches & management(CI, Samoa & Fiji), Arorangi Rugby Club – our 2020 hosts, referees, Vodafone, Vaka TV, volunteers and supporters, meitaki ma’ata & God bless you all.
SAMOA: 28 Tries: Viiga Ruepena, Afeleti Anau & Oswell Tunupopo Conv: V Ruepena (2) Pen: V Ruepena(2) Pot: V Ruepena
COOK ISLANDS: 20 Tries: Arona Ngari & Peter Marsters Conv: Daniel Toa (2) Pen: D Toa (2)
COOK ISLANDS SQUAD PREPARATION
2020 TRI-NATIONS – Rugby 15s ##UPDATE
In this year of uncertainty we need to be innovative, bold and strategic! With no flights and no visiting teams or players, we need to strategically look at innovative ways to make our internal competition exciting and meaningful hence the Tr-Nations idea that came to light from ex-CI National 15s player Pare Rongokea Jnr.
In terms of local Rugby 15s, the highest level of Senior Grade rugby you can play each year is the Rarotonga Club 15s Finals – provided your team make the Finals! The Tri-Nations concept is the next step above club-level, called regional level-rugby, which will see 3 residential community teams; Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa play a Round-Robin series of matches against each other during the month of November 2020.
All Tri-Nations matches will be played at the Arorangi Field, the Draw as follows:
Team Cook Islands Residents Training:
In preparation for the Tri Nations series the Cook Islands team will be training this Thursday 29/10/20 @ 5pm at the BCI Stadium (Nikao) – the squad as follows:
Stanley Tobia, Toru Katuke, Daniel Tonorio, Marouna Ioane, Davey Mato, Jeronia Raea, John Vano, Tepaki Mani, Josh Caffrey, Kana Nga, Papa Li Ponini, Tereinga Cowan, Nick Connal, Adyn Kapi, Genesis Piri, Robert Heather Jnr, Thomas Toa, David Toa, Timo Tangirere, Oki Naea, Arona Ngari Jnr, Jason Potoru, Basil Matapo, Matamanea Matapakia, Peter Marsters, Stephen Willis, Mark Tuaati, James Strickland, Josh Motu, Maeva Mateariki, Leo Roa, Allan Toa, Daniel Toa, Matt Maui, Teariki Matenga Jnr.
This is also an open invitation to anyone who is keen to have a go – they are also most welcome to attend training this Thursday 29/10/20 @ 5pm BCI Stadium (Nikao).
Please bring your boots, running shoes, bottle of water, spare change and lots of enthusiasm!
Any queries please contact the Coaches Darren – 54101 or Tavake 52497
Lets’ get behind all our teams (CI, Samoa & Fiji) as we look to enhance local rugby and build local capacity.
Ben