Manu Samoa’s final 30-man squad announced for 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign – Rugby News
The Samoan Rugby Union has broadcast the Samoan national Rugby Union team for their 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign. Union representatives listed Samoa’s final 30-man squad on Wednesday, August 24.
The Samoan national Rugby Union team, commonly known as the Manu Samoa, is placed in Pool D of the 2011 RWC tournament. Pool D is also popularly known as the Pool of Death, which features the defending champions Springboks, Fiji, Namibia and Wales.
Manu Samoa has a history of delivering upsets in Rugby’s most prestigious tournament. Following their surprise victory over the 2011 RWC favourite Wallabies in July this year, the Samoans have announced their intent of finding a place in the second round.
Samoas chances are further boosted by the fact that they have twice defeated Wales during the RWC pool games. Samoa defeated the Welsh side during the pool games of the 1991 and 1999 RWCs respectively.
In 2007 RWC, the eventual RWC winners, Springboks also survived the Samoans unpredictable brilliance when they were near to delivering another upset.
The 30-man squad comprises of 16 forwards and 14 backs players. The squad includes Leicester Tigers utility back, Alesana Tuilagi, who will be looking forward to put hurdles in the Springboks title defence campaign.
The former London Irish centre, Seilala Mapusua, has also secured a place in the final 30-man squad. Alongside Gloucester Rugby’s Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono, Mapusua will form the first choice centre pair for Samoa.
The Samoan will start as favourites to win their games against Fiji and Namibia and their strong performance against either the Springboks or Wales will see them through to the second round of the tournament.
The Manu Samoa’s final 30-man squad for their 2011 RWC consists of,
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.
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