“We want to join Fiji, Tonga and Samoa”

These are the words of Cook Islands coach Barry George who believes this is the year they should be recognized in the Pacific as a rugby playing nation.

George said with the caliber of players in his side the clash this Saturday against the Vodafone Flying Fijians will be interesting.

Cook Islands captain Stan Wright believes the players have gelled in quickly and will be ready come Saturday.

Wright, who plays for French second division club Narbonne, said with another full week of training together the team has a genuine chance.

The Vodafone Flying Fijians will play Cook Islands at 3pm Saturday at Churchill Park in their Rugby World Cup qualifier match.

The winner of this match will join England, Wales, Australia and another unconfirmed team in Pool A of the World Cup next year.