Maanu Samoa vying for upset :
Western Samoa is known for their big time upsets in previous Rugby world cups and the selected 30 men definitely have the potential to cause a few upsets. Some of their great surprises include beating Wales both in 1991 and 1999. The Samoans are coming into the world cup already having pulled off an upset over the Wallabies in their warm up game.
The islanders will be lead by the 31 year old Center Seilala Mapusua going into this all important tournament and will be coached by none other than the Titimaea Tafua who has been with this squad for many years.
Samoa will play in Pool D at the 20-nation World Cup with Wales, Fiji, Namibia and defending champions South Africa and will play Namibia in their first game at Rotorua International stadium on the 14th of September. Their next clash will be the all important one against the slightly favored Welsh which is scheduled on the 18th of September at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton. They will then travel to Eden Park to play arch rivals Fiji on the 25th of September and thereafter will face their biggest test in the springboks on the 30th at the North harbor stadium in Auckland.
Samoan squad:
Forwards- Ole Avei, Maurie Faasavalu, Census Johnston, Filipo Lavea Levi, Daniel Leo, Logovi’i Mulipola, Ti’i Paulo, Anthony Perenise, Manaia Salavea, Mahonri Schwalger, George Stowers, Sakaria Taulafo, Joe Tekori, Kane Thompson, Ofisa Treviranus, Taiasina Tuifua.
Backs- Kahn Fotuali’i, David Lemi, Johhny Leota, Seilala Mapusua, Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono, Tasesa Lavea, Augustino Poluleuligaga, George Pisi, Tusi Pisi, James So’oialo, Jeremy Sua, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Alesana Tuilagi, Paul Williams.
Some of the players to look out for in the Samoan line up will be; standing at 6.1 ft. and weighing in at a total of 117 kg Alesana Tuilagi is one of 5 brothers to have worn the Samoan blue jersey whilst his younger brother has been named in England’s RWC 2011 squad. Partnering him on the wing will be a more agile and fast attacking option for the Samoans in David Lemi.
The Skipper Selala Mapusua will also be one of the players to keep an eye on with his bursting runs and strategic plays he can cause a threat out wide for any defense and his crunching tactical tackles in center field make him an ultimate center. His partner in the centers will most probably be Gloucester’s Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono who is also known as one of the best defenders in the modern game. In the thick of the action will be the senior man Daniel Leo playing in the number four jersey. His powerful hit ups and tactical jumping will make him a threat in the lineouts and loose play.
The mobile Toulouse prop Census Johnston will bring a lot of power to the Samoan ranks and will be virtually immovable in the front row. The Samoans who are going into the world cup ranked at number 10 will target upsetting the apple cart for the Welsh and sneak their way into the quarterfinal along with defending champions South Africa.
