Series serves its purpose

Fiji Times - Wednesday, July 09, 2008 12:41 PM

THE Pacific Nations Cup has been hailed as a great tool for enhancing the performances of Tier Two teams, in particular Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

These were the sentiments expressed by New Zealand Rugby Union general manager of Professional Rugby, Neil Sorensen.

The NZ Maori won the PNC on Sunday with a 21-18 win over Australia A.

The PNC was set up by the International Rugby Board to help develop the sport, in particular the Tier Two nations in the region.

The Maori had replaced the Junior All Blacks which won the tourney for the past two years.

Sorensen, in an exclusive interview with Times Sport, said the strongly contested matches between the Maori and other teams had proved a lot.

"Research and history shows that regular competition against competitive opposition as is the case with the current Pacific Nations Cup, is a key driver in the delivery of sustained and improved performance," Sorensen said.

"New Zealand Maori had close wins against Tonga, Fiji and Manu Samoa in this year's tournament so the competition has been strong and helped all."

While some big one-sided scores have been a concern, NZRU is adamant the tournament is the key to a bright future for its financial stricken neighbours.

"The NZRU is satisfied with the structure and management of the Pacific Nations Cup tournament and are supportive of it," Sorensen said.

He said NZRU was hopeful a decision on the future of Pacific teams in the Super 14 and Tri-Nations would be reached soon.

"The NZRU in consultation with its SANZAR partners are currently reviewing the future competition structures for both Super and international rugby," he said.

"The Pacific Islands are being consulted in regard to their possible involvement in such tournaments."

He confirmed that SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby Unions) were studying various options for the development of Super rugby.

"SANZAR is exploring a variety of options for both these competitions including an expansion to the current 16-week format of the Rebel Sport Super 14," Sorensen said.

"A change in the scheduling of the tournament and possible inclusion of additional teams from within and outside the current SANZAR partner countries,"