[2015 RWC] Pool B: Samoa vs. USA (20/09/2015)

[TRF_heineken]

Brighton Community Stadium, Brighton (20/09/2015, 12:00)
Pool B, Round 1

Referee: George Clancy

Teams

Samoa: 1. Sakaria Taulafo, 2. Ole Avei, 3. Anthony Perenise, 4. Teofilo Paulo, 5. Joe Tekori, 6. Maurie Fa'asavalu, 7. Jack Lam, 8. Ofisa Treviranus, 9. Kahn Fotualii, 10. Tusi Pisi, 11. Alesana Tuilagi, 12. Rey Lee Lo, 13. Paul Perez, 14. Ken Pisi, 15. Tim Nanai Williams

Replacements: 16. Viliamu Afatia, 17. Motu Matuu, 18. Census Johnston, 19. Faifili Levave, 20. Alafoti Faosiliva, 21. Vavao Afemai, 22. Mike Stanley,
23. Faatoina Autagavaia

USA: TBA

 

[Mcfadden]

I fully suspect English chiropractors will be attendance for this match. Ribs will be on the menu for the Samoans no doubt. With a sprinkling of pain and suffering.

 

[MLB3BB2]

Ribs will be on the menu for the Samoans no doubt. With a sprinkling of pain and suffering.

Yes, it should be a physical match, but the Eagles have shown their ability to hit hard as well. It was a good contest when the teams met in the PNC in July (after a shaky start from the Eagles) and it's the Eagles who had little time together at that point, with Samoa having been together for their All Blacks clash in Apia. The Eagles have had 6 matches together since then so should make this an even better match, with a good possibility of pulling off an upset.

 

[The Jones Boy]

First half will be very tight.
Second half I question the Eagles fitness levels to keep them competitive.

 

[aucklander]

Samoa team to face USA

Samoa fielding a strong side against the eagles. Only change I would make is TJ ioane coming on for the skipper who is an over rated player. I expect the eagles forwards to give Samoa a really tough game, but the Samoan backs will be too strong.
Samoa 28 - 19 USA



1 sakaria taulafo
2 ole avei
3 anthony perenise
4 teofilo paulo
5 joe tekori
6 Maurie fa'asavalu
7 jack lam
8 ofisa treviranus
9 kahn fotualii
10 tusi pisi
11 alesana tuilagi
12 rey Lee lo
13 Paul perez
14 ken pisi
15 Tim nanai Williams
16 viliamu afatia
17 motu matuu
18 census Johnston
19 faifili levave
20 Alafoti faosiliva
21 vavao afemai
22 Mike Stanley
23 faatoina autagavaia

 

[Maxwell]

I agree Treviranus is lucky to be in top 15, too small for me.

Only other real issue I have is Nanai-Williams who I would restrict to coming off the bench. Fullback calls for safety first.

 

[LiRFCMatt]

The Americans are unlikely to, but could, spring a nasty surprise on the Samoans. Big games for Samu Manoa and Chris Wyles, they are quality players and a danger against any side.

 

[Primrose]

I for one am excited to watch my adopted country take on the Samoan overlords.

 

[SelimNiai]

I'm conflicted. As Bristol players I want Lam and Perenise to do well but I equally want Samoa, with respect, to spend as little time in the RWC as possible so we get them back soon.

 

[aucklander]

So nervous, almost kick off. Let's get the big W Manu Samoa

 

[Primrose]

Totally random semi-off-topic question, do players from American Samoa ever get to play for Samoa, or would they represent the United States if called up internationally? Or would they get to choose?

- - - Updated - - -

So nervous, almost kick off. Let's get the big W Manu Samoa

Best of luck to you today. May the match be entertaining to watch, and free of controversy or injury.

 

[ncurd]

Totally random semi-off-topic question, do players from American Samoa ever get to play for Samoa, or would they represent the United States if called up internationally? Or would they get to choose?

No idea but I suspect they'll be able qualify for whoever they want to....everyone else does.

Man ITV are enjoying putting the boot into Wales...

 

[Primrose]

No idea but I suspect they'll be able qualify for whoever they want to....everyone else does.

Man ITV are enjoying putting the boot into Wales...

Ah, kind of like me then. I'm eligible to represent New Caledonia, France (or split time between both depending on sport), or the United States. Except for, you know, the part where the chances of me ever getting called up to represent any of those countries in a sport would be less than 0% if it were even possible.

 

[TommiG88]

I'm hoping for a Samoa win. Kahn is a superb 9, really rate him.

 

[ncurd]

Ah, kind of like me then. I'm eligible to represent New Caledonia, France (or split time between both depending on sport), or the United States. Except for, you know, the part where the chances of me ever getting called up to represent any of those countries in a sport would be less than 0% if it were even possible.

Well I qualify for England, SA and Ireland thanks to the grandparent rule (again no chance of ever being picked for anything) then you have residency rules. Most players if they want to qualify for a country will if they want to. Also when you look at some countries they are full of migrated Europeans/SA/Nzders

I know out of the top nations Argentina are the only side with zero non natural born citizens.

 

[Mcfadden]

I'm hoping for a Samoa win. Kahn is a superb 9, really rate him.

Yup. Perhaps the last decent halfback the Crusaders had. Drummond, Heinz and Ellis have their moments, especially Ellis with his experience, but they are far too slow.

 

[Muzzy]

I highly rate Drummond. Think he was unlucky not to be an all black.

Anyway I think Samoa will win by 15. Samoa would have to be dreadful to lose. Last time they played it was close but that was Samoas second team

 

[TobesHodges]

Go USA you are my dark horses! Let's goooo!

 

[Primrose]

I guess I cursed it by wishing for no injuries

 

[Blackdevil]

Where is TJ Ionane?