Picking A Combined Pacific Islanders XV

Naturally born to be prime candidates for rugby with players traditionally coming from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga we've seen great players grace rugby all over the world.

The union was disbanded in 2009 due to financial reasons, but what if the team was reformed today? Just how competitive would they be?

In this article, we theoretically take the possibility of funding and form what a current and on form pacific nations team would look like, a decade on from the last time they played.

1) Campese Ma'afu: The Northampton loose-head has been a mainstay of the Fiji team for many years and has been a relatively new addition to the Northampton Saints, capable of being destructive in open play and being reliable at scrum time, the Northampton man lays a solid foundation for the team in the front row.

2) Moto Matu'u: Moto Matu'u smash! One of the hardest hitters in world rugby, the ex-Hurricanes man is capable of smashing anyone off the pitch in defence, he also offers a good work rate around the pitch and a solid scrum and lineout to build off.

3) Ben Tameifuna: The Racing bulldozer is one of the biggest and most destructive props in the world, coming in at 134kg Tameifuna will never be mistaken for a lightweight, a big carrier in open play and a real cornerstone of the pack, no chance of the scrum going down with him in the three shirt.

4) Leone Nakarawa: Does this man need any introduction? One of the first names on the team sheet, the second Racing player to make this list has immense ability in the offload area and at the lineout, a real athlete and leader for the team, with a better pair of hands then a lot of backs, Nakarawa has always looked home in the 7's circuit winning gold with Fiji at the 2016 Olympics as well as excelling in the XV's game, a true athlete.

5) Opeti Fonua: Fonua is typically a backrower but is moved here to the second row to accommodate others in the back row, he's no small player. Giving more power in the coal face of the scrum he also offers big carrying power and gives front foot ball. Complimenting Nakarawa in the second row by giving a different style of play.

6) Tj Ioane: The Sale and Samoan backrower offers a great work rate in defense and at the break down, he doesn't lack in the carrying department either. A work horse of a player he'd be instrumental in the team his ball retention ability and his aggressiveness around the park.

7) Jack Lam: Another leader of the team, Lam is one of Bristol’s go to men, a proper flanker, Lam carries strongly, jackles properly and is a monster tackle, like Ioane, Lam is a work horse around the park and would be crucial in giving the team front foot ball and being disruptive all around the park.

8) Nili Latu: The skipper of the team, the man to lead the team into battle, he’s been around for a while and certainly isn’t getting any younger at 35 but he has experience as Tonga’s skipper and has been instrumental in Dean Richards Falcons team, another all rounder to finish the back row but his main trait is his big carrying, vital in giving the team front foot ball through his big carries, the inspirational skipper is one of the most important men on the team sheet.

9) Sonatane Takulua: more commonly referred to as just Tane Takalua, the Newcastle scrumhalf is a complete ball of energy, the 3rd Tongan to play for Newcastle in this list, it's no coincidence how successful they've been this season with this man at the front, a great goal kicker and tackler on top of his quick distribution make him one of the most important men on the team.

10) Ben Volavola: The playmaker, the well-travelled Fijian has been around super rugby playing for teams like The Crusaders, The Waratahs and most recently the Rebels. With a slick pass and boot, he'd be the man to orchestrate what is a pacey and powerful backline.

11) Nemani Nadolo: The tank, reminiscent of the great Jonah Lomu, Nadolo has all the strength and pace in world rugby, coming in at 6'3 and 130 kg he has the bulk of a prop but is also gifted with the speed of a winger. Would easily fit into most back rows! A key strike runner in the team, he'd make sure tried were scored aplenty.

12) Levani Botia: Another powerful player, he could be seen as a more compact version of Nadolo offering power and pace in abundance. The fact that he's equally comfortable at either Centre or Flanker is a great showing of how powerful he is. A true master of the bounce off but he's also gifted with good offloading and soft hands.

13) Reynold Lee-Lo: A different choice for the outside centre, instead of picking pure power picking a 13 with good pace and footwork gives a good balance to the backline, especially alongside the battering ram Botia. Two completely different players to complement each other. Lee-Lo would offer more expansion to the team.

14) Josua Tuisova: Does he need an introduction? Another tank in the backline, offers pace and power, on rugby styles alone Tuisova and Botia could be twins! Great strength in the contact area, has great speed and is potentially the best defending winger in the world right now.

15) Tim Nani-Williams: To finally finish off the backline is the slightly smaller cousin of Sonny Bill Williams, Nani-Williams is a game changer, offers great pace and a step that allows him to ghost through the opposition, he’d compliment Naholo and Tuisova but offering something different running from fullback.

So what do you think? Could this team compete with world nations? If not what changes would you make, tell us in the comments.