It's been one long year since the World Cup, and the interval has seen a number of coaching roles change hands. After successfully guiding Ireland to second place in the World Cup, Nathan Hoy has moved in to reverse the fortunes of New Zealand. Kermit Krockett QC, of Northern, moves to England after Mark Fowler stepped down following his unsatisfactory World Cup campaign. Ireland found a new leader in Josh Hussey, and the French moved into the hands of Troy Haines after Luke Sharpe went missing while back-packing in Afghanistan.

But coaching shifts aside, the games this weekend were intense and exciting- just what's needed in the off season.

Results
Tonga proved their quarter final appearance in the World Cup was no fluke as they took apart Fiji in a 32-10 domination today at Tonga Sportsground, the former home of the now defunct Pacific Sharks. The Tongans were lead by their hard working forward pack, who gave new Fijian coach Marshal Boyd no end of nightmares.
Tonga: Shontayne Hape, Brent Kite, Martin Masella, Vila Mautatia, and Tevita Latu. Hansen 6/7
Fiji: Lote Tuqiri and Dicky Veramu. Tuqiri 1/2
PoM Points: Vila Mautatia 3, Tevita Latu 2, and David Fifi'iaha 1.

A 6-4 halftime scoreline in favour of England pointed towards an exciting decider for the 2004 tri-series, but a dominant second half form the Kangaroos' forward pack has turned a potentially close game into a 28-6 win by the world champions- showcasing their class once again.
Australia: Timana Tahu, Brent Tate 2, Nathan Hindmarsh, and Ben Kennedy 2. Johns 2/6
England: Andy Farrell. Deacon 1/2
PoM Points: Ben Kennedy 3, Nathan Hindmarsh 2, and Ryan O'Hara 1.

The US rugby league team continues to improve in leaps and bounds, but that wasn't enough to see them home against Ireland in the second annual Boston Cup clash. The Americans were lead wonderfully by Northern Territory winger Danny Bull- but the class of the Irish shone through in an 18-8 win.
USA: Tyler Durden. Raines 2/2
Ireland: Brian O'Driscroll 2 and Tommy O'Reilly. Orr 3/3
PoM Points: Danny Bull 3, Rory Powers 2, and Brian O'Driscroll 1.

Germany have produced the first upset of the international season, Red Apokalips scoring a try in the 79th minute to break a 16 all deadlock and lift the Germans to an unlikely 22-16 win over the Scottish. Scotland, who finished third in the World Cup, played well but were unprepared for the quality of a German side including regular Premier League stars Red Apokalips, Jerrie Muller, and John Sitizein.
Scotland: Lee Penny, Richard Horne, and Danny Arnold. Ross 2/3
Germany: Till Mason, Jerrie Muller, Verity Gunnarsson, and Johan Weissner. Apokalips 3/4
PoM Points: Till Mason 3, Richard Horne 2, and Tobi Dassinger 1.

In the first match between the two sides who until last year made up the bulk of the 'Europe' team, the Greek side has scored an upset 22-20 win over the star-studded Italian side. While the two sides included the likes of Braith Anasta, Anthony Minichiello, and John Skandalis- it was the lesser known stars who impressed the big Athens crowd.
Greece: Allianya Takawira, Braith Anasta 2, Jason Stevens, and Frank Miranda. Maquina 1/5
Italy: Anthony Minichiello, Steve Georgalis, and Leonardo Orelli. Thurston 4/5
PoM Points: Leonardo Orelli 3, Matteo Giocometti 2, and Anthony Minichiello 1.

The guidance of newly promoted coach Anthony McElroy has paid immediate dividends for the Japanese, who were one of only two sides unable to record a win in last season's World Cup (the other being Lebanon). The Japanese showcased their attacking flare in a one sided 24-10 win over the world's lowest ranked league nation- the Cook Islands.
Cook Islands: Kylie Leuvlai and Talea Fuimaoano. Paul 1/2
Japan: Akido Li, Daisaku Ohata, Toutai Kefu, Asuki Miyamoto, and Andrew Miller. Morita 2/5
PoM Points: Akido Li 3, Kenji Morita 2, and Azuze Hiraki 1.

It may be a new coach at the helm, but Wales' fall from grace continued today as the Welsh went down 30-16 to a spirited Papua New Guinean side. New coach Vahe Ohanessian was called in to ammend Wales' recent slump of form- but was forced to endure more of the same as Graham Luana lead the Kumuls to a convincing win at Cardiff.
Wales: Ryan Jones and Chris Morley. Eaton 3/3. Harris 1/1
Papua New Guinea: Marcus Bai, Christian Bai, Graham Luana, and Adrian Lam. Luana 7/8
PoM Points: Graham Luana 3, David Raelke 2, and Adrian Lam 1.

The French have again proven far too good for their neighbours, Lebanon, recording a 24-8 win over the Cedars to kick off their Mediterannean Cup campaign with a solid start. The French were in firm control throughout, but the Lebanese can draw some consolation from the form of Mohammed Zian Ali and Scott Magro in the forwards.
France: Olivier Sarramea, Christophe Lamaisson 2, and Imanol Harinordoquy. Michalak 4/4
Lebanon: Mohammed Zian Ali. El Masri 2/2
PoM Points: Imanol Harinoroduy 3, Christophe Lamaisson 2, and Olivier Sarramea 1.

New New Zealand coach Nathan Hoy will be rushing to stave off critics after his Kiwis were stunned by South Africa today. The South Africans, most remembered for their upset win over Australia in the World Cup, produced a dominant performance despite the loss of Joost van der Westuizen to record a 34-16 home win, much to the delight of the big Newlands' crowd.
South Africa: Jaco Van Der Westhuyzen, Tom O'Shea, Sean Rutgerson, and Sebastian Mpofu 2. Tatu 7/7
New Zealand: Joe Rokocoko, Stacey Jones, and Marty Holah. Mehrtens 2/3
PoM Points: Tom O'Shea 3, Sebastian Mpofu 2, and Leon Barnard 1.

After naming their strongest side in recent history, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders rep team has recorded a solid 18-0 victory over the visiting Samoans. Playing in Central's Alice Springs Oval, the AA/TSI side turned it on to showcase the depth of Australian indigeneous talent.
AA/TSI: Nathan Blacklock 2 and Dean Widders. Fields 3/4
Samoa: None
PoM Points: Nathan Blacklock 3, Matt Sing 2, and Kevin McGuinness 1.

A very poor start to the new international season by the boys, South Africas backline cut through us set after set and were much to strong for the entire game. For the next match expect a few changes to be made, with Richard Swain already being told that he will be watching from the stands in the next hit out against Australia.

GO PNG!!!!!!!!!

French coach Troy Haines has come out and siad how proud he is of his frog leg chewing combatants, after proving that the first win over the Lebanese wasnt a fluke, with another resounding victory he was quoted as saying "im very pleased with the result" and also that there is absolutely no truth to the popular phrase :magro: even though that it does nothing to dispell the rumors that :randell:. The kebab boys should all do this at training this week, :ouch: as it might help them win there next game..... anyway cheers to the frencies :drunk: and all their woman :drool: .................

c'mon now...c'mon now....c'mon now!! The japs are here to play footy y'all. Would it be presumptious to say "next world champion's" after defeting the team ranked last in the world?Go Andy bloody Miller!

well u beat the cooks when they had no coach, after a mix up with venues with the coach going to the wrong ground

haha, well whoever that coach is must be the biggest dickhead in league history then hadn't he.