Wallabies pick 52 percent Islanders

Wallaby centre Samu Kerevi has been named the vice captain for the World Cup. Photo: Rugby Australia

The Wallabies have named 52 percent; 16 players from the Pacific Islands last Friday in their 31 man squad for the Rugby World Cup in Japan which kicks off on September 20.

Tameifuna changes his mind

 

Ben bides time to make up his mind to go black or red. Photo: Skysports

Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna has changed his mind about playing for Tonga and now hopes to play for New Zealand instead.

Tameifuna, who was in the All Blacks training squad in 2012, was originally selected for Tonga’s end of year tour which consists of away Tests against Georgia, the United States and Scotland.

Tonga hope for Tameifuna

Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna charges forward. Photo: Skysports

Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna is looking to conclude his push to play for New Zealand and instead don the shirt of Tonga in November and the RWC.

The 23-year-old was in the All Blacks training squad in 2012 but hasn’t yet made his debut due to fitness concerns expressed by Steve Hansen.

Manoa’s hattrick crush Sale

Saints winger Ken Pisi dives over for the first of six tries against Sale. Photo: Skysports

Samu Manoa scored three of Northampton’s six tries as they thrashed Sale Sharks 43-10 at Franklin’s Gardens on Saturday.

The hosts took control of the game from the outset and there was first-half tries for Pisi brothers; George and Ken, as well as the American second-row, Manoa’s first try.

Tigers win on the road at Exeter

Yellow card: Goneva. Photo: Skysports

Leicester Tigers came from behind to defeat Exeter Chiefs 24-20 at Sandy Park, England scrum-half Ben Youngs scoring the winner.

The Chiefs dominated for large parts, but the Tigers kept their cool to record their second victory of the season.

Exeter dominated early on, and capitalised on the sin binning of Vereniki Goneva to take the lead.

Fearless Wallaby Taf uses his smarts

Tafs was a nerd in Granville High School. Photo: wikiimages

Kamikaze hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau was a schoolboy academic who excelled in chess before becoming the Wallabies’ Mr Wreckless.

Now, after nine seasons and countless serious injuries, the Tongan powerhouse believes he can produce his best, and remain on the field, by finally allowing his head to rule his big heart.

Leicester cruise past Newcastle

Tigers prop Logo Mulipola charges against Newcastle. Photo: Skysports

Vereniki Goneva’s hat-trick set Leicester on their way to a comfortable 36-17 win over Newcastle.

The Tigers were looking to lay down an early marker following last year’s semi-final disappointment, while the Falcons were out to prove they can be more than relegation-strugglers.

Waterboy Weepu a key leader

Weepu, headwaterboy for London Welsh. Photo: Skysports

London Welsh’s star signing Piri Weepu got off to an understated start with his new club, on waterboy duties against Pontypridd.

Welsh were comfortable 40-12 winners in Weepu’s first involvement with the club since landing in London on Thursday.

The World Cup-winning scrum-half is viewed as an essential player for Welsh in their bid to avoid relegation.

Castres recruit medical joker

Tuatara-Morrison fits into Castres coaching style. Photo: Skysports

Western Force back Chris Tuatara-Morrison has joined Castres on a short-term deal to cover for the injured Sitiveni Sivivatu.

Sivivatu was a star signing for Castres for this season from Clermont, but the former All Black is facing three to four months out with a shoulder injury.

Dipping into the market for some cover before Sivivatu returns later this year, the 2013 Top 14 champions have turned to Tuatara-Morrison for cover.

Tuilagi charged in alleged assault

Tuilagi will appear in court in October. Photo: Skysports

Samoa and Newcastle Falcons winger Alesana Tuilagi has been charged in connection with an alleged assault, according to reports.

Tuilagi will appear in court on October 21 in relation to an incident on Dublin’s Harcourt Street in 2011, according to RTÉ News.