It's a boost for the Samoans now with the news that Ben Roberts hasn't been picked for the Kiwis squad. Fair play to NZ Coach Steve Kearney he said to Manase Manuakofoa and Fetuli Talanoa that although he picked them in his initial 40 man squad they were unlikely to make the cut and so he told them to go back to Tonga. He could have easily held on to them and they would have missed Tonga training but he set them free. He's a good bloke Steve Kearney and will do a good job for the Kiwis!

With regards to this Tonga/Samoa game I can't wait for it I heard on the Rugby League World Cup newsletter it was expected to be the nearest match to selling out behind the Cup Final itself

can't blame everyone buying those tickets.. I mean c'mon entertaining rugby comes from Island flare.. why who would people rather pay to watch.. Ireland or Scotland lOl. nah i don't think so aye Tonga and Samoa the two countries which have brought out huge Rugby greats in such a short time frame..in only 20 years to develop..

Yea I agree aye... in the last 20 years.... Samoa & Tonga have produced some mean talent..... eg. Sonny bill, Israel Folau, Steve Matai, Willie Mason etc... so yea, I understand why it's nearly a "sell-out".... this would be the most physical match at the worldcup without a doubt!!! LOL.... good luck to both sides.  MATE MA'A TONGA & TOA SAMOA are really one nation... if you really look at our history... over a thousand years ago....  go both sides... rep'n that nesian style hard!!!! ISLANDERS UNITE!!! HAHAHAHA

game of the tounment 4 megud to see the stars go back and play 4 thier county

the winner of this match should go on to cause some upsets in the semis

and final

 

Don't worry mate Ireland and Scotland are fierce rivals too. They may not be as genetically big as Tongans or Samoans but their hearts and passionate characters are! Yes this Tonga/Samoa game is my pick for match of the tournament

Well said Londonleaguer... maybe the organiser's could have put Ireland and Scotland in the same pool too... cos I don't think they'll get to play each other unless they both top their pools??

Anyways, my picks are France and Mate Ma'a Tonga to top their pools and play off in the semi-qualifier... and funny thing is, whether its Tonga or Samoa who go through, and if they do win the semi qualifier... that team would then prob play Aussie, as they are looking fav's to qualify 1st... Of course Oz would win, but there could be a few injured kangaroos come grand final time...

All the better for NZ and Eng lol!

Bring on the World Cup!

  

yes i take back my comment every team within this tournament is here for one reason and that's because they are here because they earned their spot to play with the best of the best.

 

Tonga and Samoa will be the match of the tournament that foa sure haha

No probs mate I know what you were getting at. By the way I think Ireland and Scotland could still play each other whether they both come top or not. After the pool stage the teams from Pools 2 and 3 will play the team who finished opposite them in the other pool. ie. If Scotland come 2nd they will play the team who comes 2nd in the other pool. Although I agree even with that in mind it is unlikely they will play each other. I think Tonga and Samoa look so strong us Irish supporters will be glad just to win one match! Meanwhile I think Scotland might be the suprise package. They have a fantastic half back in Danny Brough, and Ian Henderson was oustanding for the Warriors in their run to the finals. Good teams need good organisers like these two

Londonleaguer... Irish supporter eh? Good on ya mate, cos although I'm not too familiar with the Irish squad... I hear its full of SL stars, along with a good number of NRL players as well. I tell you what, the best thing about sport is nothing is guaranteed. 

Can't wait for this world cup to start boys... you just know there will be upsets etc

Go Mate Ma'a Tonga!

 

Yeh I'm Irish descent so love Ireland. There are some really good Super League players in there like Pat Richards, Mike Mcilorum, Scott Grix, Simon Finnigan, Damian Blanch etc. and a few NRL players so hopefully they'll give it a good shake.

You hit the nail on the head mate nothing is guaranteed in sport but one thing that is guaranteed is this World Cup is going to be a cracker! I can't wait 21 days and counting!

Hell yeah! 3 more weeks mate...

I just looked up the Irish team, of course every one knows who Brett White is - Storm and NSW Origin prop, bloody hard man too... but to be honest the only other player from that squad I know is Pat Richards who won the cup with the Tigers a few years back... I was expecting a few more NRL players... mostly SL players, why?... howz this Irish team gonna go against Tonga & Samoa?  

Im samoan but i rekon the game will be a close one.  But Samoa or Tonga I have to go with Samoa.  Samoa are physical but they also have alot of mobility in their team.  Anyways this would be my Samoan possible team.

 

1.  Motu Tony

2.  Taulima Tautai

3.  Junior Sa'u

4.  Steve Matai??/Sonny Fa'i

5.  Chase Stanley

6.  Nigel Vagana

7.  Joseph Paulo

8.  Frank Puletua

9.  Terence Seu Seu

10. Tony Puletua

11. Lagi Setu

12. Ben Matulino

13. Reni Maitua

14. Masada Iosefa

15. Sam Tagataese

16. Kylie Leulauai

17. Ali Lauititi

 

Most of the best samoan players were picked in the nz team

This match will be FULLY SICKKK! I think both teams are as equally strong but neither stand a chance. I'm really looking forward to the atmosphere of the night, although I've yet to decide which jersey to wear!

 Oh and a BIG shout out to JOHN!! Mate...I gan't beliv your playing for TONGAAAA! DAGGLE DAGGLE DAGGLE!

 

TONGAAA!! no wait SAMOAAAAAAAAA ohh i dunno-whoever wins lol!

Yeah Tonga's got the same problem...

OZ and NZ get first picks...

Damn!... just saw Kiwi squad picked... including Sika Manu, Manu Vatuvei... at least Hame Lauaki is available for Tonga

Just waiting to see the Aussie team... rumours are Brent Kite and Anthony Tupou are in.... Folau's a certainty...

Jennings was in the Aussie pre-squad, but should be released for Mate Ma'a Tonga to partner Willie Tonga in the centre's... Antonio Kaufusi should be in too...

unfortunately Willie Mason's injured