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In a perfect world Radike Samo and Lote Tuqiri may have been playing for the Pacific Islanders against the Wallabies this weekend.
But the imperfect balance of rugby in the region means they'll both be turning out for Australia and despite a renewed emphasis on the plight of the island nations of late it's clear the pair don't have any regrets.
Samo, who less than two months ago could have played for Fiji, said he'd still be looked upon fondly back home despite choosing to play for Australia.
"The Wallabies and All Blacks are the top teams in the world - to make it for them is different and is seen as an honour," he said.
"Back home they don't mind it so much because these countries are at the top of the wall.
"People back home love it, it is a big thing for them to see someone play for the Wallabies or All Blacks."
Tuqiri, who moved with his family to Australia when he was four, also spoke of honour in actually playing the Pacific Islanders but refused to dwell on what could have happened if rugby was stronger in the region.
"Who knows what might have been," he said.
"I look forward to actually playing them and think it is great for them but I'm with the Wallabies."
Australian coach Eddie Jones was light hearted enough to begin with, suggesting Samo couldn't help Australia with the Fijian lineout calls on the weekend but was clearly angered by media reports he'd talked down the Pacific Islanders concept during the week
While the Wallabies relaxed with a day off, Jones bristled saying he wasn't surprised the Pacific Islander Rugby Alliance thought he was out of line - because he was reported incorrectly when saying the tour was only a revenue raising exercise.
"I specifically said that the aim of the Pacific Islanders, and this is why the IRB set up the Pacific Islanders, is the further development of rugby in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji," he said.
"That is the purpose of the exercise and I said I support that 100 per cent.
"It certainly is a revenue-raising exercise because the money from this game goes directly to the development of those three countries and that's very important."
"I never said that it's not a proper match between two countries."
Despite a strong showing against England in the 51-15 win last week, Jones said the Wallabies still could improve, particular in set pieces.
Australia lost a number of lineouts with the throw against England and also got pushed off the ball at the scrum in Brisbane.
"We started the game very well for the first 20 minutes in the scrum and line-out, but as the game went on we fell away, so that's a big emphasis for us," he said.
The Pacific Islanders had their final run late this evening and will get their first feel of the Adelaide Oval tomorrow.
So far 18,000 tickets have been sold for the match in a city
more revered with AFL.
