Tonga

The Tonga national rugby union team is nicknamed ‘Ikale Tahi’ (Sea Eagles). Like their Polynesian neighbours, the Tongans start their matches with a war dance – the Kailao (aka the Sipi Tau).

Tonga enjoyed a good showing at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, winning two pool games and running champions South Africa close in a narrow 30-25 loss. They bowed out against finalists England after a tough quarter final.

Key players include Epi Taione, Hale T-Pole and Nili Latu.

Japan

The Japan national rugby team is nicknamed “The Cherry Blossoms” and these blossoms feature in the team emblem.

Japan was undefeated in the inaugural 2008 HSBC Asian Five Nations, becoming the first champions of this tournament.

Japan had mixed form 2007 at the Rugby World Cup, the best result was a 12-12 draw with Canada. Experienced coach John Kirwan will be looking for new levels this season.

http://www.rugby-japan.jp/

Fiji

Fiji’s national 15s team, known as the Flying Fijians, competes in Test matches played in the June-July and November Test windows.

Fiji are now ranked ninth in the world by the IRB, their highest ever ranking.

Fiji enjoyed a famous 38-34 win over Wales at RWC 2007, in one of the most enjoyable international matches of recent years. They were defeated by eventual champions South Africa in the quarter finals, but not before leading the Boks in another superb game.

Fiji are known for running rugby and their positive approach to the game. They will be strong opponents in this year’s tournament.

http://www.fijirugby.com

Samoa

Samoa, or Manu Samoa, are known for a brand of physical, combative rugby which is almost without peer. Samoa perform a traditional Samoan challenge called the Siva Tau before each game.

Samoa had a disappointing 2007 Rugby World Cup, bowing out at the pool stage. Their opening game with the Junior All Blacks at Apia Park on 12 June will set the tone.

Key men include the Tuilagi brothers, Simo Sititi, veteran prop Census Johnston and captain Filipo Levi.

http://www.samoarugbyunion.ws

Junior All Blacks

The Junior All Blacks are the ’second national team’ of New Zealand. Traditionally a tier 1 rugby nation and with a proud history of rugby, New Zealand sends the Junior All Blacks to compete in the Pacific Nations Cup, unearthing plenty of new talent for the national side.

The Junior All Blacks took part in the inaugural Pacific Nations Cup alongside Fiji, Japan, Samoa and Tonga.

The Junior ABs won the Pacific Nations Cup in 2006 & 2007, with the New Zealand Maoris winning in 2008.

They play Samoa in the opening game of the tournament in Apia Park in what promises to be a fascinating encounter.

http://www.allblacks.com