As a devastating All Black winger Va'aiga Tuigamala was the prototype of the power-wing in rugby and go with his blockbusting running there was that disarming and infectious big smile which became his trademark.
But those contributions have hardly been reciprocated. Tier 1 nations rarely play matches in any of those countries.
Brett Phibbs/Photosport
All Blacks Tupou Vaa’I,Patrick Tuipulotu and Nepo Laulala during the national anthems during the 2nd Bledisloe Cup test match between the New Zealand All Blacks and Australia - Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. A combined Pacific Islands team which played dynamic, attractive rugby faded into obscurity after a series of exhibition matches in the mid-2000s. Japan and Argentina were invited to participate in Super Rugby before any or all of the Pacific Islands. But all this could be about to change.