TIME

How time flies in global rugby rankings: recently Samoa celebrated 10th place after overcoming a spirited Japan. This week Manu dropped to 13th after losing to Fiji!

FORTUNES

Our fortunes might change this weekend if Fiji loses to Japan and Manu overcomes Tonga. Dreams are free, of course, but good luck to the boys in blue!

THE QUOTA

The application for the Samoa Quota Draw 2023, also known as the NZ annual quota for local residents opens today 1 August 2023 with the deadline of 31 August 2023.

DIPLOMACY

Are we expecting another round of foreign minister visits? The Solomon Islands recently “upgraded” their ties with China, the last time it happened there was a spur of ferocious activity. 

SASNOC

Not sure how long folks at the sports governing body will act as though everything’s ok over their handling of the triathlon crisis until common sense prevails.

IT'S RAIN

Brace yourselves, the weather forecast for this week is rain for the next seven days except for brief sunshine on Thursday this week.