Australia vs Samoa Predictions

[DJRonStar]

Wallabies first hit out so expect to see a new combinations and a team without most of the Reds players. Samoa on the other hand have had a month together and a few games under there belt. Expect to see Taufua name his strongest possible line up. Interesting to see him name 3 halfbacks in his squad to Australia. Lualua, Helleur and Fotuali'i. Would of expected them to take another loose forward. I'm guessing that that named the third half back in the case that Kahn might not have been available. They'll probably drop Helleur and add in another loose forward. Maybe Alafoti Faosiliva.

Wallabies 27 Manu 17

As long as the Manu play hard and give it all they got, I'm a happy man. A win will make me want to go to the Casino that night.

 

[Larksea]

could that be because Fotuali'i may play 10?

 

[.me]

The Qantas Wallabies team to play Samoa in the Castrol Edge Rugby
Test at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Sunday is:

15. Mark Gerrard (Melbourne Rebels)
14. James O’Connor (Western Force)
13. Adam Ashley Cooper (Brumbies)
12. Pat McCabe (Brumbies)
11. Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds)
10. Matt Giteau (Brumbies)
9. Nick Phipps (Melbourne Rebels)
8. Ben McCalman (Western Force)
7. Matt Hodgson (Western Force)
6. Rocky Elsom (Brumbies, captain)
5. Nathan Sharpe (Western Force)
4. Sitaleki Timani (NSW Waratahs)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
1. Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)

Run on Reserves:
16. James Hanson (Queensland Reds)
17. TBA
18. Dan Vickerman (NSW Waratahs)
19. Scott Higginbotham (Queensland Reds)
20. Beau Robinson (Queensland Reds)
21. Will Genia (Queensland Reds)
22. Kurtley Beale (NSW Waratahs)

Source: ARU

I personally like the team, surprised that Deans picking Gerrard for the first time - never understood why he never picked up before.

 

[Siva Tau]

If Tafua doesnt pick a full strength team it could be a painfall afternoon. The constant changing in the PNC must now give way to combinations of the first team i.e. the main 22 players. Its clear from watching the PNC the disparity between the top players and worst is huge with notable exception being James So'oialo whose general play and goalkicking a revellation. A serious first team overlooking the named squad(this will be subject to change) would be.

1.S Taulafo - solid scrummager and good workrate
2. T Paulo - bigger and better than Schwalger
3. C Johnston - a must, big and workrate
4. J Tekori - very solid
5. J Faamatuainu - best lineout option and good in loose
6. M Salavea - normally a 7 but need him and Treviranus to counter fit Aussies
7. O Treviranus
8. T Taifua - looks the goods, better than Stowers
9. K Fotuali'i - world class
10. T Pisi - controls the team well and goes striaght not cross field
11. A Tuilagi - awesome
12. S Mapasua (c) - very solid plaer
13. G Pisi - looked good
14. S. Tagicakibau - fast
15. J So'oialo - looks great and worldclass goalkicker

Res.

16. M Schwalger - maybe good in 2nd half very mobile
17. A Perenise - good experience now
18. F Levi/K Thompson - solid backup
19. H Tuilagi - be great impact player
20. J Polu - next best option after kahn by a country mile
21. T Lavea/F Fili - neither excite me
22. P Williams - Good back up for wing, fullback centre and goalkicker

Lets see what Tafua does

 

[IKALETAHI]

Would rather have Paul Williams at that back. James So'oialo with all the kicking skills and tactical awareness he comes up short with 1 on 1 defense. It wasnt evident in Samoa's dominant performance against Japan, but has since become more evident. Teams like the Wallabies will send alot of traffic his way. Paul Williams has experience at that level and would probably handle the pressure alot better, Paul Williams is also safe in defense.

 

[madflyhalf]

Source: ARU

I personally like the team, surprised that Deans picking Gerrard for the first time - never understood why he never picked up before.

Cause he was in Japan!
BTW, I like that team too

 

[fobcrusader]

Would rather have Paul Williams at that back. James So'oialo with all the kicking skills and tactical awareness he comes up short with 1 on 1 defense. It wasnt evident in Samoa's dominant performance against Japan, but has since become more evident. Teams like the Wallabies will send alot of traffic his way. Paul Williams has experience at that level and would probably handle the pressure alot better, Paul Williams is also safe in defense.

Agreed Ikaletahi.. Paul Williams is far better at defence than James So'oialo.. which is the most important aspect of being a great full back as this position is the last line of defence.. What So'oialo has for goal kicking and tactical kicking is nothing compared to William's Super Rugby and Aviva premiership experience where he knows the different kinds of situations and how to properly counter them... Take nothing from So'oialo.. James is a great player but he doesn't have enough experience...

And I gotta disagree with Sivatau with Junior Polu on the bench.. I rekon Lualua has faster service than Junior Polu.. From what I've seen from Junior Polu he has so slow service and takes ages to make a decision .. lol but I do agree with Jonathan Fa'amatuainu on second row.. he is great in the lineout!.. And I also agree with Tuifua at Number 8 .. makes more metres than all the flankers put together.. lol

 

[aucklander]

Here is my squad for the AU Game
Zakaria Taulafo
Ti'i Paulo
Anthony Perenise
Daniel Leo
Joe Tekori/Ezra Taylor
Fa'asavalu
Treviranus
G.Stowers
K.Fotuali'i
T.Pisi
Tagicakibau
Mapusua
G.Pisi
A.Tuilagi
P.Williams


M.Schwalger
Census Johnston
Ezra Taylor
K.Thompson
Lualua
Lavea
D.Lemi

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Williams is also a capable kicker

 

[bonafidehamo]

1. Sakaria Taulafo --- Part of a strong EOYT front row
2. Mahonri Schwalger (c) --- all hail el capitano
3. Anthony Perenise --- Wellington Hurricanes prop
4. Kane Thompson --- Need at least one palagi... nah jkz hes a very solid player and good at lineout
5. Joe Tekori --- Tall and fast.. He needs to be included somewhere
6. Ezra Taylor --- Treviranus would have started, but he looks to have burnt the tank after Tonga
7. Manaia Salave'a --- Though he looks clueluess most of the time, is one of our hardest workers and seems a genuine bloke
8. Taiasina Tuifua --- Made a great debut and is in good form
9. Kahn Fotuali'i --- The form halfback in NZ rugby
10. Tasesa Lavea --- Because Fotuali'i has just joined the squad it will be better to have someone outside him he is familiar with
11. Alesana Tuilagi --- Good at scoring tv ad jobz
12. Seilala Mapusua (v/c) --- Looks very old but still has it in him. Our Brian O'Driscoll if you like
13. George Pisi --- Makes few mistakes as far as I can remember
14. Sailosi Tagicakibau --- Its always good to have a figi in the team
15. Paul Williams - Was once on the verge of All Black selection and the only reason why So'oialo is getting praise is from his goal-kicking.

16. Census Johnston --- Dynamic
17. Ti'i Paulo --- former C.Crusader, a shoo-in on that basis
18. Jonny Fa'amatuainu --- If the lineouts go bad he will fix them
19. George Stowers --- Add some spirit to the team
20. Vailoaloa --- When Fotuali'i has had enough of Lavea
21. Tusi Pisi --- Good at running the ball
22. James So'oialo --- If Paul Williams forgets his kicking boot

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23. Oli Avei
24. Ofisa Treviranus
25. Fautua Otto --- Much hate directed to this player after Tonga game but he is seriously underrated.

This I think is our best team. David Lemi is good but will get shown up against smart teams that exploit his size.
Whoever gets picked, do your best. Anything less than a 20 point losing margin can be considered a victory.

 

[bonafidehamo]

Thompson and Tekori are injured

That's a shame. Beale and Gerrard will exploit a weak lineout 9 times out of 10.
Jonny Fa'amatuainu and Daniel Leo to the rescue.

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

Malo bonafidehamo...Good team you have. mine would look kind of similar.

Manu Samoa to face the Wallabys
1. Sakaria Taulafo - Our best scrummaging option at loose head. Not too many good options here though for Samoa but he is the best of an average bunch.
2. Mahonri Schwalger - Id be happy for either him, Paulo or Aveii starting here all decent options. But Schwalger will likely start as captain of the team.
3. Anthony Perenise - Cencus is a better overall player, but Perenise is the better scrummager and we need our scrum to be as best it can be if we are to compete against the Wallabys.
4. Dan Leo - Id have Thompson here as he is our best lineout option. Apparently hes injured so Leo is our next best option atm.
5. Jonathan Fa'amatuianu - Proved a very viable lineout target vs Tonga. More of a loose forward than a lock so he adds mobility to the pack. Tekori would be here but He may be injured.
6. Ofisa Treviranus - Showed against Tonga that he is a valid player worthy of making the first XV for Samoa just as he did during the EOYT. Hard hitting defender and always staying busy on the field with his high work rate.
7. Manaia Salevea - Our only specialist openside besides Ray Ofisa. Ray, like his brother was impressive vs Tonga. But Salavea is a hard worker and proved to me during the PNC he deserves to be there.
8. Taiasina Tuifua - Henry Tuilagi would be here, if hes not available then Taiasina Tuifua takes his place as starter at number 8. Tuifua Very impressive upon debut for Samoa. Always reaching past the gain line with ball in hand. Just what you need from a Number 8.
9. Kahn Fotuali'i - Our star halfback. His organization, distribution and box kicking will be detrimental to Samoa's chances in this game.
10. Tasesa Lavea - Tusi Pisi is in better form. But as bonafidehamo said, Lavea is already familiar with Fotuali'i from their time during last years EOYT, So it would be better to start Lavea despite his poor showing in his most recent outing against Fiji (Uale Mai can shoulder some of the blame for that as his distribution to him was poor). Would be very interesting to see if they took a chance and gambled by picking Fa'atonu Fili here.
11. Alesana Tuilagi - Scored 2 tries vs japan and should be well rested by now. Hope to see him with ball in hand run a train over Digby Ioane's candy a$$.
12. Seilala Mapasua - Experienced campaigner for Samoa and still likely our best weapon in the midfield. His defense could be key if they are a chance in shutting down Quade Cooper.
13. George Pisi - His combination with Mapasua has been the best midfield combo for Samoa in the last few years. Him or Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu to start in the centres with Mapasua. if Sapolu starts then move him to 12 and Mapasua to 13.
14. Sailosi Tagicakibau - Had high work rate during the PNC. Lemi played his best games for Samoa in a long while during this years PNC, but I still feel Tagicakibau is the better option overall atm.
15. Paul Williams - Our first choice Fullback. While So'oialo's boot has him in contention, Williams is the senior player with the more experiance at the top level as well as being a more dangerous ball runner and better defensively. Will be goal kicker to if he starts.

Bench
16. Ti'i Paulo/ Ole Avei'i 17. Cencus Johnston 18. Ezra Taylor/Felipo Levi 19. Maurie Fa'asavalu/George Stowers 20. Lua Vailoaloa 21. Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu/Tusi Pisi 22. David Lemi/James So'oialo

 

[DJRonStar]

Manu Samoa to face the Wallabys - My pick

1. Sakaria Taulafo
2. Mahonri Schwalger
3. Cencus Johnson
4. Daniel Leo
5. Filipo Levi (Fa'amatuianu did have a good game against Tonga but the Wallabies are a step up. He is not an international lock. Levi for his experience).
6. Ezra Taylor (Quick around the park, adds another lineout option and very physical)
7. Ofisa Trevaranus (Opted for Ofisa over Manaia because he's only started one game. Don't think they'll start with Manaia as he's started in all three games already).
8. Taiasina tuifua (Agree, if Henry aint there then Taiasina is the next best eight. Another lineout and lock option)
9. Kahn Fotuali'i
10.Tusi Pisi (Pips Tasesa because he's in better form. No worries about lack of cohesion with Kahn. They know each other well from Crusaders days)
11.Alesana Tuilagi
12.Seilala Mapusua
13.George Pisi
14.Sailosi Tagicakibau
15.Paul Williams

16.Ti'i Paulo (I'd have as my starting hooker but Mahonri is Captain. God impact off the bench)
17.Cencus Johnston (Impact off the bench)
18.Maurie Fa'asavalu (Will come in to the game)
19.Manaia Salavea (Has had a big work load in the PNC. Should see some game time)
20.Lua Vailoaloa
21.Tasesa Lavea (Can cover first or second)
22.Eliota Sapolu (Covering both 12 and 13)

*In the case that Paul Williams gets injured, Sailosi, Tusi or George can play fullback.

*If one of the wingers gets injured, Paul Williams can cover. Tusi to fullback and Tasesa to play number 10.

Go Manu!!

James So'oialo - Will be a better player for the future. Would like to see him get more ITM experience. Should nullify some of his weaknesses. Defence seems to be his main issue.

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

I hear this is the Manu Samoa team to face the Wallabys.
MANU SAMOA team vsAUSTRALIA
‎1. Sakaria Taulafo
2. Mahonri Schwalger(c)
3. Anthony Perenise
4. Kane Thompson
5. Daniel Leo
6. Taiasina Tuifua
7. Maurie Fa'asavalu
8. George Stowers
9. Kahn Fotuali'i
10. Tusi Pisi
11. Alesana Tuilagi
12. Seilala Mapasua
13. George Pisi
14. Sailosi Tagicakibau
15. Paul Williams
reserves
16. Ti'i Paulo 17. Logovi'i Mulipola 18. Felipo Levi 19. Ofisa Treviranus 20. Brenton Helleur 21. Faatonu Fili 22. Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu

Good team I guess. Our front row and our entire backline seems spot on in terms of our first choice players are there. Our second row has been hit with injury to Iosefa Tekori, but is pretty close to full strength with Kane Thompson back in the team partnering Dan Leo. Good to see them take a gamble on Fili and atleast making the bench for this game. Unfortunate though its at Lavea's expense and I hope that's not the last we see of him as I feel he doesn't deserve to be thrown under the bus yet. Would've liked to see Jonathan Faamatuianu in there somewhere but I'm glad they've included Ofisa Treviranus. Not too sure about our loose trio though, wouldn't it be bettter to have Taiasina Tuifua at number 8? And where the hell is Henry Tuilagi?? I hope Stowers and Fa'asavalu can turn it on for this game as both of them didn't play to their potential in the PNC.
My biggest concerns though... Brenton Helleur and Logovii Mulipola to back up on the bench?? Mulipola was average during the PNC, but to have him as backup when we have a player of Cencus Johnston caliber not even on the team is ludicrous. I would've even preferred James Johnston. Him and Lemalu had ample chances during the PNC and I'm sorry but neither impressed me. I agree with our starting front row, but to have him at back up is a big call.
Not as big as including Brenton Helleur though....really...REALLY?<wbr>​ ? After his game vs Tonga I was very critical of Helleur of how his distribution was awful, and calling him out about his lack of effort and endevour on the field which at times was downright lazy. I predicted he wouldn't play another test this year for Samoa but he too gets a shot vs the Wallabys after failing to impress. What I hope Helleur did after the game is that he sat and watched the Japanese game vs the Fijians which was straight after, in particular just at the start of the 2nd half when Sunia Koto scooped up the loose ball from the restart, made a break just on halfway and offloaded to Akapusi Qera. The big guy has wheels for a number 7 and was almost certain to cross under the sticks if not for a great chase and tackle from Japans much smaller fly half Murry Williams chasing him down within 5 meters of the tryline, making the tackle, forcing the forward pass attempted pop up and saving the certain try. THAT is the effort and commitment you NEED to show when you are playing for your country. Not that half assed effort he showed just watching Taumololo stroll over for the try. Both these two need step up, otherwise Ill be very critical of their selections.
Apart from those few things I agree with the team. Hope they can be competetive and make us all proud.

 

[DJRonStar]

If that's the team selected to play Australia then I'm a bit confused. I agree Afakasi, Tuifua has been playing well at number eight so why change him to 6. Stowers has not shoed any form during the PNC and Fa'asavalu, I'm sorry to say but he's too slow and unfit.

I hope Politics havn't came in to the equation of selecting the team. Helleur showed against Tonga that he is number four half back behind Fotuali'i, Lualua and I have to say Mai is better than him. Not sure what game Dicky has was watching against Tonga but surely he would of seen Helleur mess up and like Afakasi said, showel a lack of commitment letting the prop run away. Not sure what the story with the Johnsotn brothers is but to have an inexperienced prop like Mulipola coming in from the bench against the Wallabies is insane when you have two Heineken cup rugby players like Cencus and James.

Maybe we'll see some surprises this Sunday and see a few different players in the squad.

 

[aucklander]

I don't understand why the coaches have selected Mulipola, Helluer. Mulipola was terrible against weak oppositions, dropping a lot easy passes, bad scrummaging his work rate on the field was not up to international level. Helluer on the hand has a long way to go, he was lazy as afakasi said chasing after sona taumalolo. You just don't see an international level half back run at that pace or even give up early. It was just painful to watch. And yes where is Henry Tuilagi? I don't understand why Steve Fualau or Census/James Johnston is not involved in the 22. However the starting lineup is looking good. Our loose trio look like they will do damage. Great to have fa'atonu fili on the bench. Just imagine what his partnership with fotuali'i would bring. Great to see our centres back and also Paul Williams. Our backline look lethal.

 

[JKFalealupo]

I agree with you guys about Mulipola. I know this kid has big wraps on him..he's been doing the damage for Samoa A for the past two years and he's a beast with the ball in hand..BUT..a huge but - he hasn't delivered on the big stage where it really matters. I can't believe they put this guy in front of Counties prop Lemalu and Toulouse prop Johnston. He must be a coaches pet because they seem to miss him with the sapelu and tipi everyother player around him??

I would even go out on a limb and say he will be a RWC 'bolter'. With Lemalu and one of the Johnston brothers to miss the squad completely. (If we lose Census we're toast - he has so much international experience that guy - as a Manu and PI test player - and is on the edge of achieving his true potential as a prop at the age of 29, they say you peak around 30-35 in France). Someone on that coaching staff loves the boy and so keeps pushing his name forward. Yet it's clear it's not his time right now. He's the most puzzling decision out of all the guys.

As for Brenton Helluer - He was still in Auckland on monday night and get's flown out the next day for the biggest match of his life on Wednesday. And the coaching staff don't ease him into things - they start the poor dude. What the heck? Cut the kid some slack, one day to prepare for a match in 30 degree heat after training all week in rain and 10 degree weather in AKL?? Blame the coaching staff for that one - poor call. I know he could've given more out on that field but he isn't an exprienced player yet in the NZ scene.

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

To me, Mulipola (and Lemalu) are below Sakaria Taulafo, Anthony Perenise, The Johnston Brothers, Na'ama Leleimalefaga, even James Afoa in our front row depths. I think either Johnston brother wouldve been more than adequate as back up. Cencus was part of this years Top 14 championship club Toulouse and James was part of Harlequins European Challenge Cup championship team (along with Maurie Fa'asavalu). Def wouldve selected one of them at least on the bench rather than Mulipola.
I'm going to assume Helleurs selection was based on Lua Vailoaloa needs a rest as he played all of Samoas PNC games. Polu hasnt been released so I believe that comes down to either Mai or Helleur as our backup Scrumhalfs. Mai was just as unimpressive as Helleur but to be honest at least he showed effort and commitment which is what I want to see from EVERY Manu Samoa player that pulls on the blue and white jersey. Owell, at least he'll sit behind Kahn Fotuali'i who I'm sure will show him how its done at halfback.

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

As for Brenton Helluer - He was still in Auckland on monday night and get's flown out the next day for the biggest match of his life on Wednesday. And the coaching staff don't ease him into things - they start the poor dude. What the heck? Cut the kid some slack, one day to prepare for a match in 30 degree heat after training all week in rain and 10 degree weather in AKL?? Blame the coaching staff for that one - poor call. I know he could've given more out on that field but he isn't an exprienced player yet in the NZ scene.

I guess that is a valid excuse for he why didnt play to his potential. But that doesnt excuse him for showing a real lack of effort, commitment and endeavour during the match against Tonga which was very evident at times during that game. I expect players to give everything they have when they pull on a Blue and White jersey for Samoa and if they are not willing to give that, then I prefer that their services are not required.

 

[JKFalealupo]

Mai was ma'i in that game - his substitution at halftime says it all. What time is the squad named?