Samoa names its match-day combination to meet Fiji in next clash of Rugby World Cup - Rugby News
Samoa has named its match-day combination for the next match of Rugby World Cup 2011 against Fiji on September 25 at Eden Park, Auckland. Samoan coach, Titimaea Tafua, unveiled his side on September 23 and said his side is ready to defeat the Flying Fijians.
Samoa has featured three changes in its starting line ups including the moral boosting return of Tusi Pisi after the player has missed the last game of world showpiece against Wales due to a hamstring injury. Blindside flanker Taiasina Tuifu'a and Census
Johnston are other players to make their place in the starting lines of Samoa.
Samoa started off their Rugby World Cup campaign in great style as they thumped Namibia by a remarkable difference of 49-12. They were set to produce an upset performance against Wales but in the end surrendered to them by a slight margin of 17-10 on September
18.
Talking to reporters about their previous match against Wales, Samoan coach said that his side was ready for a big victory but unfortunately the plan did not work. He added that, “Our game against Wales was not expected. We were prepared to win that game.
We will try to pick up the spirits and get ready for the next game.”
The coach talked about the forthcoming match and said that, “It's about getting through our pool first and foremost. We knew when we arrived here that we'd have to either beat the Welsh or beat the South Africans and the Fijians to get through. We just have
to make sure we knock each game off one at a time.”
Tafua has formed a strong side to meet Fiji in Auckland. The side includes the following players:
Samoa: Paul Williams, Sailosi Tagicakibau, George Pisi, Seilala Mapusua, Alesana Tuilagi, Tusi Pisi, Kahn Fotuali'i; George Stowers, Maurie Fa'asavalu, Taiasina Tuifu'a, Kane Thompson, Daniel Leo, Census Johnston, Mahonri Schwalger (captain),
Sakaria Taulafo.
Reserves: Ti'i Paulo, Anthony Perenise, Filipo Lavea Levi, Manaia Salavea, Jeremy Sua, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, James So'oialo.
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