Watch Manu Samoa
We are highly motivated team under coach Tafua: Chris Vui
The return of wily coach Dickie Tafua is going to see a totally different Manu Samoa rugby side take on the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians at the ANZ Stadium, Suva, 3:30pm today.
Team captain Chris Vui told SUNsports yesterday that they are not the same team that played Fiji a year ago in Apia.
“Everyone should expect a big performance from Samoa,” he said.
“Dickie is a perfect coach and he knows how to get the players together. He doesn’t say much but when he does it carries a lot of weight.”
Tafua was recalled in September last year after head coach Alama Ieremia resigned when under his watch Samoa suffered four straight defeats and missed automatic 2019 Rugby World Cup qualification.
His return was backed by former captain Mahonri Schwalger who called on all Samoans to support Tafua and the team’s bid to qualify for next year’s RWC.
The no-nonsense coach also guided the Samoan rugby sevens team to win the 2009/10 World Sevens Series and later the 2011 Rugby World Cup where Samoa beat Fiji 27-7 and narrowly lost to Wales 17-10 and South Africa 13-5.
“You see Dickie knows how to win championships. Dickie is a great man and he knows how to motivate the team so expect a highly motivated Samoan team tomorrow.”
Vui said it has not been easy for Samoa as last year some of their senior players abandoned the team and they had no choice but to field new players.
“We are going in against a great Fijian side but for us it’s more than rugby, it’s about our nation and how to bring joy to our people,” he added.
Qera: New Start, New Faces
Playing Samoa today is an opportunity for us to assess the progress we’ve made, says Fiji Airways Flying Fijians skipper Akapusi Qera.
Speaking to SUNsports, he said, that is an area they are working on to see how they have moved forward from last year.
“It’s from last year’s June test matches then to the November tour to Europe and now,” Qera said.
He pointed out that part of their progress is the emergence of new faces in the team.
This afternoon sees second five eight Sevania Galala making his Test debut along with Viliame Mata who is making the run on team for the first time.
“I’ve faith in them and their performance,” Qera added.
The Agen-based loosie said despite the wet weather they are going to keep that Fijian flair in the game.
“But we’ll see how it goes and what the weather situation is like.”
Edited by Osea Bola
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
