Team Canada went down 28-9 in the final, having beaten both USA and Uruguay on their way, and head coach Kieran Crowley will be keen to get back to winning ways in the mini-tournament in North Wales.
The same will be true for the former Tongan captain Mana Otai, who took over as his country’s new coach in place of Isitolo Maka after the islanders’ successful 2011 World Cup campaign.
The 43-year-old Otai, a rampaging back row forward, captained Tonga at the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa and has been given a two-year tenure. As well as games in North Wales, his side will also play Tests in Italy and Scotland.
Kingsley Jones’ Russian side will arrive as bears with sore heads having gone down 46-0 to arch-rivals Georgia in the European Nations Cup earlier in the year. Having made their bow at the Rugby World Cup last year they are now in a re-building phase.
As for the Samoans, they will be full of well known names, including the Ospreys own Khan Fotuali’i at scrum half, and will be using their game against Canada on Friday, 9 November as a warm-up to their big clash with Wales at the Millennium Stadium the following weekend.
Can they win at both ends of the country in the space of eight days? Gogledd Cymru General Manager Rupert Moon believes it is possible.
“I know from bitter personal experience how hard it is to play against the Pacific Island teams, especially the Samoans. They will be coming to Wales to set the story straight after just missing out on another famous World Cup win last year,” said Moon.
“The chance for the team to get together on tour will be priceless for the coaching team ands the players all love playing together. The fact so many of them play in Europe means it will be very much a ‘home from home’ trip for them.
“We’ve yet to see who the USA will be flying in, but if they bring Taku Ngwenya with them from Biarritz Olympique then the fans in Colwyn Bay will be able to see at first hand one of the quickest men ever to play the game.
“What is great about the two rounds of matches we have at Eirias Park is the fans will get to see established rugby playing nations battling it out. They will also be able to see some great players in action as well.”
Russia, who entertain Fiji in Moscow on 3 November, kick-off the international action against USA at 6pm on Friday, 9 November, before Samoa face Canada immediately after.
On Saturday, November 17, hard-hitting Tonga clash with USA, which again is followed Canada versus Russia.
Tickets start from £11 and are available from www.venuecymru.co.uk or by calling the ticket office on 01492 872000.
