Samoa enter their post-World Cup phase welcoming several new players into the fold, and with it a winning attitude emphasized by new coach Stephen Betham. After leading the 7s side to victory on the IRB circuit his charges produced the goods again by winning this year’s Pacific Nations Cup and very nearly beating Scotland in Apia.
FRESH FACES
After leading the Samoan entry in the IRB u20 Championship to a 10th place finish, hooker Ropeti Lafo has been fast tracked into the senior side and is already being looked at as a long-term successor to Mo Schwalger.
Big second rower Filo Paulo has been a regular in Super Rugby with the Blues for the past couple seasons. He isn’t a superstar but is a good lineout option and will add solidity in the wake of Filipo Levi’s departure from international rugby.
After being hampered by injuries for a couple years Hawke’s Bay flanker Tivani Foma’i has found some form and fitness and could be a surprise package in the Manu back row. He is very quick for an openside and has some real footballing skills to boot.
Scrumhalf Auvasa Faleali’i was the starting scrumhalf for the 2009 u20 side that finished 7th in the world and has impressed with Auckland’s ITM Cup side this season. He won’t start but is a long term prospect.
Setamaita Sa has been signed by London Irish but has yet to play for them because of work visa complications. A rugby league convert of sorts, he hasn’t played union since he was a schoolboy. He is big and powerful so his offloading style should complement the Samoan midfield.
Another graduate of this season’s u20s is Robert Lilomaiava, who can cover wing or centre. He has already seen action on the 7s circuit and is dangerous with ball in hand.
ONES TO WATCH
Mobile second row Fa’atiga Lemalu had a big Pacific Nations Cup tournament, scoring two tries in the decider against Japan. He could probably use a little more weight on him but he will be hopeful of overtaking veterans Daniel Leo and Joe Tekori in the pecking order.
Back row Ofisa Treviranus has been in good form for London Irish and should feature heavily as a ball carrier. He is powerful and surprisingly fast for a big man.
Jeremy Su’a has just signed his first Super Rugby contract with the Crusaders after a strong season at the Tasman Makos. Look for him to battle incumbent Kahn Fotuali’i for the starting scrumhalf berth.
Northampton strike runner George Pisi has been in superb form since moving to the Aviva Premiership club after the World Cup. Alarm bells will be ringing every time he touches the ball.
Bustling winger Paul Perez finally looks to have put his off-field problems behind him and is a real danger man out wide. Big, physical, and fast he has been lethal on the 7s circuit and should prove a very capable replacement for Alesana Tuilagi.
ON BORROWED TIME
Despite featuring heavily during Samoa’s superb victory over Australia and then the World Cup, Perpignan lock Daniel Leo is showing signs of slowing and with several youngsters staring to assert themselves his days as a starter look numbered.
Popular flanker Maurie Fa’asavalu will always be remembered for his 2003 World Cup heroics and even though he remains a solid player for Harlequins, the 32-year old has lost a step and there is no shortage of young dynamic players waiting in line to take his place.
Winger Reupena Levasa was a surprise inclusion in the squad and probably better suited to the 7s game, where he has excelled. This will likely be his last run with the Manu.
NOTABLE ABSENTEES
Long-time servants Mahonri Schwalger, George Stowers, and Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu have been exiled following a row with the Samoan Rugby Union after the World Cup. On form only Schwalger would have been selected anyway.
Montpellier prop Na’ama Leleimalefaga is a long term injury.
In-form prop Logovi’i Mulipola injured his knee playing with his club Leicester Tigers on the weekend.
Super Rugby winner Kane Thompson and powerhouse winger Alesana Tuilagi were both initially named in the squad but have also been ruled out due to injury suffered last weekend.
Seilala Mapusua withdrew from the squad for personal reasons.
World Cup winger Sailosi Tagicakibau is a surprising exclusion, possibly due to club pressure.
Captain David Lemi and Paul Williams will miss the Canada match with injury, but are both expected to return in time to face Wales.
FORM GUIDE
Samoa played well with several new faces in the Pacific Nations Cup, winning all three games to take their second tournament title. After leading for much of the match in Apia, a last minute try from Robert Harley stole an undeserved win for Scotland.
05 June – 20-18 win vs Tonga (Nagoya)
10 June – 29-26 win vs Fiji (Tokyo)
17 June – 27-26 win vs Japan (Tokyo)
23 June – 16-17 loss vs Scotland (Apia)
THE BIG PICTURE
Even though a couple first choice players are missing, Samoa are starting to build some squad depth and this remains a very powerful team. Canada should provide a good warm up victory heading into a tough but winnable contest in Cardiff followed by an even tougher engagement against France. The Wales match could go either way but the game in Paris is likely a bit beyond them at this point.
FIXTURES
09 November – Canada (Colwyn Bay)
16 November – Wales (Cardiff)
24 November – France (Paris)
