Pukpuks eye new path

THE Papua New Guinea Pukpuks’ road to the Rugby World Cup will be through Asia, according to the revamped qualification schedule by World Rugby.
This is unlike previous years where PNG, as the number four rugby nation in Oceania, had to play either Tonga, Samoa or Fiji to advance further in the qualification process.
The new route through Asia will see the main contenders for fourth place in Oceania, either PNG or Cook Islands, competing against an Asian qualifier, with the winner to advance to the repechage stage.
In preparation for this new gruelling qualification route, the Pukpuks will be taking part in this year’s Hong Kong Cup of Nations challenge.
They will be up against second-tier nations Hong Kong, Zimbabwe and defending champions Russia.
PNG, who are currently considered a third-tier rugby nation, will be thrown into the deep end as they face nations who have developed rugby programmes and a professional approach to the game.
The Cup of Nations challenge in November, will give the Pukpuks a rare taste of competitive rugby.
The campaign in Hong Kong will be an eye opener for both the players and coaching staff of the Pukpuks, and hopefully PNGRFU will learn from the experience and make the necessary changes to the way rugby is run in the country.
The Pukpuks train-on squad are currently in Port Moresby training under head coach Sydney Wesley.
The training squad of 40 players will be trimmed down to 28 before the team leaves for Hong Kong in November.