Pacific Nations Cup new format

As some of us might be tired of the six nations bashing and just want to get the games going so we can talk about facts here something to take the mind off.

The IRB are turning the Pacific Island cup into the second tier to competition.

The B6Nations in Europe is for the next best sides in Europe.

This now will become the number three ranked tournament (by teams as per IRB rankings).

It will now be 4N (teams 1-3) 6N (teams 3-10) Pacific (11-16) B6N (17-22)
I know it isn't eaxactly right but close enough.

So what should we expect from the New Pacific Cup. Should the winners be able to beat the bottom 2 teams of the 6 Nations. Should the top two team in the pacicfic nations be given games agaisnt top teams.

Canada I think would expect to win (though Samoa should beat them). This tournament should cement who is the best outside the top 10.

what would you like to see

Not sure about Samoa beating the Canadians, I remember a few years ago watching Canadian rugby and thinking once they know the game well they'll be a force, really because they had some huge guys in the side, and good atheletes in the back row.

I think in rugby, as in a few other sports, a good big one will always do well

OzT wrote:Not sure about Samoa beating the Canadians, I remember a few years ago watching Canadian rugby and thinking once they know the game well they'll be a force, really because they had some huge guys in the side, and good atheletes in the back row.

I think in rugby, as in a few other sports, a good big one will always do well

Samoa was the heaviest team at the last RWC

Canada just don't play the top teams like Samoa. They finished third in their group beating Tonga and Japan. They are much better then the USA also. They did make the quarters in 1991 in think.

I also would like to see a club competion to go along with this even if it was the winner of each country. The IRB have to put in place a structure to help the level under the international level in these countries.

Samoa aren't in it this year

Samoa were the reigning champion after they defeated Fiji in the 2012 competition but will be takeing the year off to compete in a tournament with South Africa, Scotland and Italy in the South African Quadrangular Tournament.

Samoa are ranked 7th ahead of Wales, Scotland and Italy so could do well if in the 6 nations

They are also ranked ahead of Argentina, so should do fine in the 4 nations?

I didnt realise theyd withdrawn from the Pacific cup for that tournie, seems a bit cheeky. Aside from that its a great idea, much better than the usual dull summer tours. Just the right level for all 3 of the the lesser competitors and nice for Samoa to actually get to play a Sanzar