Zippy's Player Ratings - Wales vs Pacific Islands

By Zippy
November 12 2006

Player ratings for the Wales 38 - 20 win against the Pacific Islands at the Millennium Stadium yesterday in the second of the Autumn Internationals. For details read on

15. K Morgan (8) - Scored a try that reminded me of the grand slam winning effort, some great runs and now our first choice full back or is Gyppo thinking of bringing Alfie back?

14. L Byrne (8) - Did himself credit out of position, took a risk for the interception try and it paid off. His tackling was huge and put in some big hits on the Islanders.

13. S Parker (8) - The BBC MOTM had a successful return to international rugby, showed how much his defence has improved and could be the man to bring James Hook through. With ball in hand he caused problems and pressure is now on Tom Shanklin.

12. J Hook (7) - Can't really do too much wrong at the minute can he, if I were him I'd buy a Euro millions ticket! Another try and a good marker in the 12 slot to give Gyppo a headache over where he should play.

11. M Jones (8) - The flyer had a great game and scored a try that would light up any game, surely he has to be in the team against New Zealand?

10. C Sweeney (8) - The underated Dragons pivot controlled things from 10 and showed he is the best passing fly half we have, unlucky to be up against the Wales captain for the position really.

9. M Phillips (6) - The Islanders coped with him pretty easily but he did his work from the base neatly enough, may prove a useful impact player against the ABs.

8. A Popham (7) - You know what you're going to get with Popham and it was a typically abrasive performance, unlucky not to score.

7. G Thomas (7) - Linked up well all game and put himself about, never going to pressure Martyn Williams but at least we know we have someone who can do a job.

6. AW Jones (8) - Playing out of position but had his best game in the Welsh shirt, one of his hits was massive. Such is our strength at lock he'll prob find himself playing a lot of his rugby at 6.

5. R Sidoli (7) - Sid had a solid afternoon and was vital in a successful Wales line out and did good work in the loose, slowly coming back into form.

4. M Owen (6) - An interesting experiment to see if switching him to lock would see him return to his best, had a decent game but won't be in the first team.

3. C Horsman (7) - Most pleasing aspect was that he wasn't a penalty machine and did what he does well, puts himself about and is a world class tight head.

2. Rhys Thomas (7) - Worked well and the best the Welsh line out has functioned for quite a while, in my opinion our best option at hooker.

1. D Jones (8) - I continue to be amazed by his work rate, led the side in the only way he knows how which is by example. Took a smack for his troubles as well!

Subs of note:

Shane - scored a perfectly good try.

Islanders Stars:

Mapasua - Bar the interception passes he was a dangerous runner and is very physical and looks like a player who would be a lot better if he lost a few pounds.

Raiwalui - Loves his roots and led the side well, a huge ball carrier and great servant.

Overall Comments:

The British Lions with Palm Trees are a welcome addition to the top level of international rugby, they play with such enthusiasm and are a joy to watch, once they stopped playing the suicidal stuff close to their line they caused Wales problems and if you consider they have only had a week to prepare and are missing some big names - Bobo and Cau Cau the most notable then they really could be a good team. They could also do with a better kicker! I hope to see them again soon.

For Wales the first half was memorable and we scored some great tries, Gyppo proved us all wrong and the supposed "A" team will has given many selection headaches and we are looking like a top international squad that could challenge at the world cup, but we can't go over the top this was Gyppo's first win in charge and NZ thumping of France has given plenty to ponder.

But after yesterday we have nothing to be scared of.

Match Summary:

Wales 38 (31)
Tries: M Jones, Hook, Morgan, Byrne, Sweeney
Cons: Sweeney (5)
Pens: Sweney

Pacific Islanders 20 (5)
Tries: Va'a, Mapasua, Ratuvou
Cons: Pisi
Pens: Pisi

Wales: K Morgan (Dragons); L Byrne (Ospreys), S Parker (Ospreys), J Hook (Ospreys), M Jones (Scarlets); C Sweeney (Dragons), M Phillips (Blues); D Jones (capt, Ospreys), R Thomas (Blues), C Horsman (Worcester), M Owen (Dragons), R Sidoli (Blues), A Wyn Jones (Ospreys), G Thomas Scarlets), A Popham (Scarlets).
Replacements: H Bennett (Ospreys), A Jones (Ospreys), G Jenkins (Blues), J Thomas (Ospreys), G Cooper (Dragons), G Evans (Scarlets), S Williams (Ospreys).

Pacific Islanders: Norman Ligairi (Fiji/Brive); Lome Fa'atau (Samoa/Wellington), Seru Rabeni (Fiji/Leicester), Seilala Mapasua (Samoa/London Irish), Sailosi Tagicakibau (Samoa/London Irish); Tusi Pisi (Samoa/Massey), Moses Rauluni (Fiji/Saracens); Justin Va'a (Saracens/Glasgow), Mahonri Schwalger (Samoa/Wellington), Tevita Taumoepeau (Tonga/Worcester), Simon Raiwalui (Fiji/Saracens, capt), Daniel Leo (Samoa/Wasps), Semo Sititi (Samoa/NTT Docomo Kansai), Nili Latu (Tonga/Bay of Plenty), Hale T-Polei (Tonga/Southland).
Replacements: Aleki Lutui (Tonga/Worcester), Census Johnson (Samoa/Taranaki), Ma'ama Molitika (Tonga/IBM), Epi Taione (Tonga/Sanyo), Junior Poluleuligaga (Samoa/North Harbour), Seremaiai Bai (Fiji/Clermont Auvergne), Kameli Ratuvou (Fiji/Saracens).