Head Coach Namulauulu Alama Ieremia has finalized the Manu Samoa Autumn Tests touring party. The squad will assemble in London on the 30th of October.
Their International program starts with matches against France on 12th November. They play Georgia on the 19th, and then Canada in the French city of Grenoble on the 25th of November
The side includes five new caps, with the return of Kahn Fotuali’i and Paul Williams. The side also includes five Samoan A players. Eight of the team play in France, with 11 (the majority) playing in the United Kingdom. Six are New Zealand–based with one each from Japan, Italy and Australia.
Manu Samoa Autumn Tests touring party named
Former All Blacks midfielder Alama Ieremia has named a side full with a mix of youth and experience. With five locally-based players also in the mix who have featured prominently for Samoa A all season. While the local based players deserve the call up, on the other hand the overseas based men will all need to step up.
Patrick Fa’apale will be vital at five eighth, as well as debutant Chris Vui. The North Harbour captain is coming in on the back of a great season in the Mitre 10 Cup. The big lock will use his experience to counter his opponents–at the same time learn from them.
The front row have Sakaria Taulafo and Census Johnston. Also in the mix are Anothony Perenise and Logovi’i Mulipola. For the purpose of development, they also have two new debutantes brought in to learn from the masters.
In the locking department, Ti’i Paulo and Fatiga Lemalu will be the leaders, along with Vui. Inspite of Motu Matu’u’s absence, Wayne Ole Avei together with Matuimanu Leiataua will step up at hooker.
Pacifica ‘young guns’ ready to perform on International rugby stage
Alafoti Fa’aosiliva leads the charge in the loose forwards, beside Jack Lam. Young guns Gregory Foe and Genesis Mamea are taking their chances, with TJ Ioane unavailable. Ready to perform, the loose forwards will all be used against the big European opposition.
Bath’s running halfback Kahn Fotuali’i is back with the team and will provided that extra dimension in his halfback role. However, five-eighths Fa’apale together with D’Angelo Leiua will dictate how their backline operates on tour. David Tusitala, when given half a chance, will thrive.
Midfiled backs Paul Williams and Rey Lee-Lo will be hard to contain, then again George Pisi and Winston Stanley provide the perfect balance with their versatility. David Lemi is the one to watch out on the flanks, as well as Ashee Tuala–wherever he is slotted.
How will Manu Samoa perform on tour?
On paper they have a good team, so with this in mind, it is a favourable time to visit the hosts. The French are wounded, although Georgia will be strong–after the unbeaten Oceania Tour. The Canadian side nonetheless have a point to prove, after all they have a reputation to keep.
In spite of all their resources, the French struggle at international level. With that in mind, Samoa should target the match in Toulouse. For some reason, the Tricolor can be as unpredictable in November, as the weather [players should bring their gloves and beanies on tour]. On the positive, they have a good local competition where many of this Samoa group play. That familiarity with the french style is a key point, though in saying that the tourists still want to play their natural game.
Georgia knows what it takes to compete with the Islanders, and they take it to them. Although it may not be viable monetary wise we need to take more games to Canada, not Grenoble.
Samoa can beat all three teams with the right combinations and attitude. The sternest test will likely be against the French, but they will be up for it. Focus on match number one, and then Georgia and Canada are a must win, to retain their international viability.
Head coach Alama Ieremia’s thoughts on the team
”I am pleased with the mix of the squad especially with some experienced players returning to the team.” said Ieremia speaking to the Samoan Observer.
”Also the debutantes are rewarded for good form and with a view to the future. Of note and importance, are the players selected and non-selected through the scrutiny of the Samoa A program. It reinforces the significance of this campaign to screen our next level of players for test rugby”
”This feeder pathway to Manu Samoa, together with our professional contracted players, is critical for our future. We need our experienced players to help win test matches in the Northern Hemisphere. Their familiarity with playing conditions and oppositions is key for our younger players to learn from.
”Throughout our injury list, there are key experienced players unavailable. This will test us but it’s an opportunity for others to make their claim. I’m excited and looking forward for Manu Samoa to once again come together and represent our country with pride.”
Manu Samoa – full touring Squad list:
*indicates debutants
Props:
- Sakaria Taulafo (Stade Francais, France)
- Census Johnston (Toulouse, France)
- Anthony Perenise (Bristol,UK)
- Nephi Leatigaga* (Samoa A, Samoa)
- Logovi’i Mulipola (Leicester,UK)
- Yoshishisa Sasagi (Hurricanes, NZ)
Hookers:
- Ma’atulimanu Leiataua (Bayonne, France)
- Wayne Ole Avei (Bordeaux, France)
- Elia Elia (Canterbury, NZ)
Locks:
- Teofili Paulo (Treviso, Italy)
- Faatiga Lemalu (Sunwolves, Japan)
- Piula Fa’asalele (Toulouse, France)
- Chris Vui* (North Harbour, NZ)
Loose Forwards:
- Jack Lam (Bristol, UK)
- Alafoti Faosiliva (Worcester, UK)
- Gregory Foe (Wellington, NZ)
- Oneone Fa’afou (Samoa A)
- Genesis Mamea* (Perpignan, France)
Halfbacks:
- Kahn Fotuali’i (Bath, UK)
- Pelefofoga Cowley (Wellington, NZ)
- David Tusitala (Samoa A)
Flyhalf:
- D’Angelo Leuila (Southland, NZ)
- Patrick Fa’apale (Samoa A)
Midfielders:
- Reynold Lee-Lo (Cardiff Blues, Wales)
- Paul Williams (Stade Francais, France)
- George Pisi (Northampton Saints, UK)
- Winston Stanley (Harlequins, UK)
- Opetera Peleseuma* (Samoa A, Samoa)
Outside Backs:
- David Lemi (Bristol,UK)
- Ken Pisi (Northampton, UK)
- Ashee Tuala (Northampton, UK)
- Paul Perez (Toulouse, France)
- Albert Nikoro (Western Force, Australia)
Management team: Head Coach: Namulau’ulu Alama Ieremia (SRU, Samoa), Manager: Ramsey Tomokino (SRU), Forwards Coach: Richard Watt (Hurricanes, NZ), Scrum Coach: Daniel Cron (Hurricanes, NZ), Defense Coach: Semo Sititi ( Counties-Manukau, NZ), Video Analysis: Junior Narayan (SRU), Trainer Strength & Conditioning: Tim Rogers (SRU), Physio: Grant Ashton (SRU)
Players Unavailable through injury: Paul Alo-Emile, Sam Aiono, Motu Matu’u, TJ Ioane, Vavae Tuilagi, Tusi Pisi, Alapati Leiua, and Fa’atogaina Atogavaia.
Players declaring ‘unavailability’: Tim Nanai-Williams and Fa’afili Levave; who both play in Japan.
Manu Samoa Autumn Tests schedule:
-
France – 12th November, Toulouse
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Georgia – 19th November, Tiblisi
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Canada – 25th November, Grenoble (France)
“Main photo credit”
