ARN Pacific Nations Cup XV

A wild and exciting Pacific Nations Cup is now over, and while it was tough to come up with a definitive XV given all the chopping and changing, here’s who we feel are the standout players from this year’s tournament. Did we get it right?

1 – Sakaria Taulafo (SAM) Pack leader, vice-captain, try scorer. Held his ground in the scrum and put in a huge effort around the park. Won’t soon forget his match winner against Canada.

2 – Sunia Koto (FIJ) An old-school hooker in every sense. Provided leadership to the Fijian pack and held fast in the scrum. Accurate enough in the lineout.

3 – Halani Aulika (TON) Beast of a man whose only scrum equal was the impressive Japanese pack. Close quarters try against the Brave Blossoms and hugely physical in the tight-loose.

4 – Filo Paulo (SAM) A major lineout target and ruck smasher who also provides serious ballast in the scrum. Always seems to bring his best for the Manu.

5 – Leone Nakarawa (FIJ) What a tournament from the Glasgow giant. Peerless in open play and a tower in the set piece. Scored a remarkable four tries and now set to star on the biggest stage.

6 – TJ Ioane (SAM) At his rampaging best for the Manu, seems to break the gainline every time he touches the ball. Rested for the final but made a noticeable impact when he came on as a sub.

7 – Akapusi Qera (FIJ) Some decent players in the mix, but the Fijian captain showed his class once again. Immensely physical in attack and defense.

8 – Danny Barrett (USA) Vavae Tuilagi was a giant going forwards, but the bearded wildman impressed on both sides of the ball for Eagles. The only question is whether he might be even better on the flank?

9 – Tane Takulua (TON) One of the tournament standouts, replaced injured Taniela Moa and never looked back. A devastating attacker from the base who keeps defenses glued to the breakdown.

10 – AJ MacGinty (USA) Eagles fans are rejoicing to finally have a flyhalf up to international standards. A few hiccups, but an immensely promising introduction to test rugby, capped off with a classic drop-goal to break Canadian hearts.

11 – Fetu’u Vainikolo (TON) Surely the finest finisher in Tier 2 rugby. Combination of pace and power that tied for the tournament lead with four tries and could have had a couple more.

12 – Levani Botia (FIJ) Somewhat of a joint award with his country-mate Gaby Lovobalavu, the former sevens captain gets the nod for a titanic performance against Tonga and a forceful effort against Japan.

13 – Paul Perez (SAM) Always just on the edge of legality on defense, Perez has surprised with his conversion to the midfield from the wing. Incredibly difficult to bring down once he gets going, looks to have secured a spot in Samoa’s World Cup squad.

14 – Jeff Hassler (CAN) A disappointing campaign for the Canucks but the Ospreys winger stood strong, easily the best of his country over the course of the tournament. Abrasive with ball in hand and committed on defense, as Barrett can attest.

15 – Ayumu Goromaru (JAP) Token selection? Debatable, but no other fullback meant as much to their side. His boot kept the Brave Blossoms in every game and had he been playing against the Eagles there might have been a different result.