Sport: Family affair for Pacific nations at the Rugby World Cup

Family is never far away in the Pacific and that theory also holds true at the Rugby World Cup.

Among the legions of supporters to descend on Japan are a host of proud parents, partners, siblings and cousins following the fortunes of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

Saki Waikere made the trip from Suva to Sapporo with some friends to watch his cousin Leone Nakarawa play in Fiji's World Cup opener against Australia.

"We're here to support him and definitely we're coming for a win so we're looking forward to that and I know it's going to be a good game," he said.

"Even though (against) Australia we are playing as underdogs today so definitely we will catch up to them."

Saki's premonition of a first-up Fiji win did not come to fruition although (speaking before the Flying Fijians' shock loss to Uruguay) he remained confident they can advance to the knockout rounds.

"We still have a chance to beat Wales and the other two teams as well...this is the best Fijian team ever," he said. "We have all the professional players coming from all over the globe."

Carmel McKee is a proud New Zealander but is in Japan to support her brother John, who has coached the Fiji team for the past five years.

"Well I think we've become really committed to all the teams that are in the Pacific and the importance of rugby," she said.

"And some of the issues that they face in terms of which countries they play for and what contribution they make to the game because without the Pacific nations rugby wouldn't be what it is in the world."

McKee and husband Mike Cagney have had a close-up view of the Flying Fijians rise to prominence. Family, Cagney said, is at the core of what the team is all about.

"We were privileged to be at the jersey presentation last night and I've got to say [I had] a tear in my eye, pride," he recalled.

"The whole of Fiji nation is behind them and that was apparent last night, they had the families there and, look, it means everything to these guys and it's great to be a part of."

Sandy Tu'ipulotu was born and raised in Tonga's capital Nuku'alofa but has spent the past three years in Japan studying at Hokkaido University, where she was one of just two Tongans on campus.

A big rugby fan, she leaped at the chance to watch the 'Ikale Tahi open their World Cup campaign against England in Sapporo at the weekend.

"Because also I will be graduating on Wednesday, so this is also the best time for me and including my family are coming as well...both of my parents and my sister and my nephew."

The 'Ikale Tahi are in the so-called "pool of death" at the World Cup, alongside England, Argentina and France. But, for Tu'ipulotu, her faith in the Kingdom was unconditional.

"I hope our boys will do well and I'm not sure what the result is and whatever the result that comes up it will be for us to praise them."

Family support also meant the world to the players on the field.

Samoa first five Tusi Pisi is competing at his third Rugby World Cup and made history against Russia as the oldest player to represent the Manu at the global tournament.

With son Theron by his side, Pisi said familiar faces from home provided a big boost to players during what could be a long and intense tournament.

"Yeah it's really special. It's a blessing to have my boy here and my wife - it just lifts us that 23rd man/24th man so it's special," said the 37-year-old, who also plays his club rugby in Japan with Toyota Industries Shuttles.

Teammate Alapati Leiua scored two tries in a man of the match performance against Russia and said it meant a lot to have loved ones in the stands watching on.

"My wife just arrived yesterday with a few of the girls and my little one is on the way (due in March) so it's emotion, my first World Cup as well and I'm happy that my wife is here for me."

And with a baby due in March, Leiua could have the ultimate bed-time story to tell if Samoa reach the knockout rounds for the first time in 24 years.