Rugby World Cup Profile – Samoa
The Samoan national Rugby Union team, also known as Manu Samoa, is placed in Pool D of the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC). Samoa will have some tough competition in Pool D including Fiji, Namibia,
Wales and defending champion’s South Africa.
The 2011 RWC is Samoa’s sixth consecutive RWC appearance. They did not qualify in the inaugural event of the competition in the 1987 RWC. They have reached the quarter-final stages in 1991,
1995 and 1999 RWCs.
In their debut RWC campaign they defeated Los Pumas and Wales to reach the second round. In 1995, they again defeated Los Pumas and Azzurri’s to book a quarter-final outing against the eventual
1995 RWC winners, the Springboks.
In 1999, they defeated Wales to complete their hat-trick of RWC quarter-final appearances.
Manu Samoa is currently ranked in 10th place on the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) World Rankings. They secure their place in the 2011 RWC by handing over a thumping defeats to
the Papua New Guinea. They won the first game 115 – 7, which later was followed by their 73 – 12 win over their rugby world’s minnows.
Samoa was the winner of the 2010 IRC Pacific Nations cup, which later in the year was followed by their closely contested games against Ireland, England and Scotland respectively. Samoan’s
were under par in the 2011 Pacific Nations Cup, particularly as they sent their second string side for the tournament.
Samoan’s returned to their full strength in their international test against the Wallabies at Sydney, Australia. Samoan handed over a shocking 32-23 defeat to the Australians, in front of
their home ground to kick-start their 2011 RWC campaign.
The duo of Kahn Fotuali'I and Alesana Tuilagi are probably the most renowned Samoan rugby union players. Fotuali'I will join the Ospreys at the end of, Samoa’s 2011 RWC campaign. Earlier he
has played for the New Zealand Super Rugby Franchise the Crusaders and Hawke’s Bay in the ITM cup. The utility back has been an important member of the Crusaders 2011 Super Rugby campaign, in which they finished the season as the runners up.
Leicester Tiger’s winger Tuilagi made a strong impression during the 2010/11 Aviva Premiership competition. He played 29 games for Tigers and scored 17 tries as he caught the attention of the
Rugby followers throughout the world.
In addition the above, number of Samoan players regularly feature different New Zealand Rugby Union sides. This includes players like Jonny Leota, George Pisi, Tasesa Lavea, Seilala Mapusua,
Paul Williams, Simon Lemalu, Anthony Perenise, Ti'I Paulo, Kane Thompson, Mahonri Schawalger, Taiasina Tuifua, Fa'tatonu Fili, and Brenton Helleur.
The Samoa’s provisional 2011 RWC squad includes,
Mahonri Schwalger, Tii Paulo, Mikaele Tuuu,Steve Fualau, and Ole Avei, Sakaria Taulafo,Simon Lemalu, Kas Lealamanua, Logovii Mulipola, Census Johnston, Anthony Pereise,Naama Leleimalefaga,
James Johnston, Kane Thompson, Filipo Levi, Daniel Leo, Joe Tekori, Jonathan Faamatuainu, Ray Ofisa, Manaia Salave’a, Ofisa Trevaranius, Maurie Faasavalu, Ezra Taylor, Tasina Tuifua, Georger Stowers, Henry Tuilagi,Alafoti Faosiliva, Kahn Fotualii, Junior
Poluleuligaga, Brenton Helleur, Uale Ma’I, Thomas Tusitala, Tasesa Lavea, Tusi Pisi, Faatonu Fili, Roger Warren, Seilala Maposua, George Pisi, Johnnu Leota, Eliota Sapolu, Fautua Otto,AneteleaTuilagi, Taputoa Rea, Herman Porter, Timoteo Iosua, Christopher
Victor Slade, Alesana Tuilagi, Sailosi Tagicakibau, David Lemi, Sinoti Sinoti, Alapati Leiua, Paul Williams, Ahsee Tuala, Apoua Stewart.
Samoa will start as favourites to win their respective pool matches against Fiji and Namibia. However, their chances to reach the quarter-finals of the 2011 RWC are dependent on their performance
against the Springboks and Wales teams. An upsetting performance against either of two sides will earn them a spot in their fourth RWC’s quarter-finals.
Tags: