Mapusua: Manu Samoa Is Preparing Better
“The current squad has what it takes to win the Rugby World Cup and I am optimistic about their chances,” head coach Mapusua said.
Friday 07 July 2023 | 18:13
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa (sixth from left) and Minister of Education, Seuula Ioane Tuaau attended a service (faigalotu) with The Manu Samoa team on Monday. Photo: Samoa Observer
Manu Samoa head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua has a strong squad that includes a former Australian Wallaby and four former All Blacks for the National Pacific Championship (NPC) late this month and Rugby World Cup (RWC) in France.
This includes Christian Leali’ifano from Moana Pasifika and former Wallaby fly-half, as well as Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and Lima Sopoaga.
Leading up to the RWC in France in September, Samoa will play Japan (22 July), Fiji (29 July), Tonga (5 August) and Ireland (26 August).
“The current squad has what it takes to win the Rugby World Cup and I am optimistic about their chances,” head coach Mapusua said.
In an interview with Radio New Zealand last week, Vaovasamanaia said their upcoming match against Japan on July 22 will give an indication of where the team is in terms of their preparations for the RWC.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa and Education Minister, Seuula Ioane Tuaau joined the Manu Samoa team early this week in a service (faigalotu) at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel.
The Prime Minister conveyed her best wishes to the Manu Samoa squad and wished them a successful campaign for the upcoming RWC from 8 September to 28 October 2023.
“I wish you all the best and pray for your safety, first and foremost, and may you have a successful campaign. Win or lose, you are our team,” Fiamēsaid.
“Sports are very important to the development of a country, and of course, The Manu fits significantly into the profile of sports.
“I’m sure I don’t need to tell you where rugby is at, where The Manu is at, but that is our joint endeavour is to build sports in general and also rugby which is a reflection sport for Samoa.”
Samoa is in Pool D of the RWC in France with England, Japan, Argentina and Chile.
Their first match is on September 17 against Chile, followed by Argentina six days later on September 23, and then Japan six days later on September 29 followed by England on October 8 to round up their pool matches.
Source– Samoa Observer
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