Nauru Chiefs 2008 International Cup campaign may not have got off to the best possible start but their gutsy loss to hot shots Papua New Guinea has certainly made them a feared opponent for the remainder of the competition.

Nauru went down by 49 points to PNG at Ransford Oval in Parkville on Wednesday afternoon, but will look to regroup with today's clash against Great Britain.

The Chiefs looked as if they might cause a surprise early in the clash, grabbing the only goal of the first term to take a three point lead at the change, but in a frantic second term, the Mosquitoes gained control.

They slammed on four quick majors to lead comfortably at half time before dominating the second half and only allowing Nauru one more goal for the day.

PNG's speed and ball moving ability was certainly something special, as they continually evaded Nauru opponents and found space in the forward line.

Despite the defeat, coach Wes Illig was thrilled with his team's performance, grouping them together after the match to rebuild their confidence.

``I want to congratulate you on a fantastic game of football, I know the scoreboard says we were a couple of goals down but dont let that worry you,'' he told his charges.

``I am proud of each and every one of you and you should be proud of how you played the game today. Get your heads up and hold your heads high.

``Ask anyone around here, they appreciate a fantastic style of football. Sitting over there is the best team in the competition, without a doubt and they did not expect that level of competition from us.''

Deamo Baguga, Priven Dame and Clarence Notte were the goalscorers for the Chiefs, with Lexton Plains Football League reserves runner up best and fairest Torio Mwareow, Agir Amwano, Notte and Brendan Waidabu named the team's best contributors.

Nauru will continue their International Cup campaign today with a clash against Great Britain at Western Oval, a match that is expected to be a close one after the Bulldogs comfortably accounted for the Peace Team on Wednesday.

Nauru will then break over the weekend before taking on the Peace Team in Warrnambool on Monday.

Final scores PNG 10.9 (69) def Nauru 3.2 (20).