January 16, 2015 - Comprehensive victories for New Zealand and New Caledonia have seen them leap to the top of the Group A table as we head mark the half-way stage of the group stage of this competition in Apia, Samoa.

With Match Day 5 looming Papua New Guinea will have a tough task trying to keep pace with the group leaders as they face powerhouses New Zealand in the 4.30pm match. New Caledonia will take on Fiji at 2pm in an encounter that will either bring Fiji back into contention, or help the Caledonians closer to their goal. The final match of the day will see group hosts Samoa take on Cook Islands in a must win for both sides.

New Caledonia have proven themselves a side packed with talent and plenty of speed and will be difficult for Fiji to contain. Fiji to their credit have played with heart and have at times looked a real threat to their opponents, but remain unable to score. New Caledonia on the other hand have had no trouble finding the back of the net.

New Zealand are another side which has had little difficulty scoring and will be out to continue their march to the top of Group A against Papua New Guinea. Having switched out nine of their 11 starters from their first match for their second one, New Zealand have an almost full quota of well rested players ready for the next challenge. Papua New Guinea have been building for this match and despite not being as thorough as they would have liked against Fiji, have a chance to redeem themselves against one of the region’s best.

The final encounter gives Cook Islands and Samoa a chance to post some points on the board, something both teams are eager to do. They scored against their more favoured opponents in their previous matches showing they have the ability, but they will need all their on-field wiles to take the advantage they both seek.

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