Samoa name team for Europe Tour Nov 2012

[Super Sub]

Wow. I'd always thought he had the skills (in league) but do you seriously think he'd be French Rugby test match worthy? Don't watch too much Super League so he hasn't been on my Radar since his Rooster days.

I'm just trying to see it from the point of the coaches, because there's not many things that can justify his selection at this point in his rugby career - especially when you consider we have midfielders who are playing well missing out to him. Usually a player should show his wares before getting selected for a Test team, but Sa got selected without playing a single game of rugby. I'm just guessing that maybe one of the reasons for his selection was to take the option of playing for France away from him, just in case he ever became good at rugby.

 

[Sam Owen]

I'm just trying to see it from the point of the coaches, because there's not many things that can justify his selection at this point in his rugby career - especially when you consider we have midfielders who are playing well missing out to him. Usually a player should show his wares before getting selected for a Test team, but Sa got selected without playing a single game of rugby. I'm just guessing that maybe one of the reasons for his selection was to take the option of playing for France away from him, just in case he ever became good at rugby.

Coaches could also be looking at building depth in those positions. We lose Pisi and Leota then we need to have someone whos already dived into the deep end.

 

[Super Sub]

Coaches could also be looking at building depth in those positions. We lose Pisi and Leota then we need to have someone whos already dived into the deep end.

Possibly, but then we already have Mapusua and Williams to go along with Pisi and Leota, and then you have young Lilomaiava. There's also Autagavaia and Perez who both can play centre too. So I doubt it's to do with depth, maybe more a project than anything else.

 

[Sam Owen]

Possibly, but then we already have Mapusua and Williams to go along with Pisi and Leota, and then you have young Lilomaiava. There's also Autagavaia and Perez who both can play centre too. So I doubt it's to do with depth, maybe more a project than anything else.

How could I forget Mapusua. Havent heard of the others. Theres also Hellure as well. I guess there is a bit of depth for us in the centres, they are scattered but they're around. I look forward to seeing these newcomers.

 

[Saintjay]

I have just found out that Samoa are playing in North Wales. I hope the turn out is good and I hope to get a ticket.

 

[SirBurger32]

Sa has signed with London Irish but hasn't been able to play due to Visa issues. Brian Smith has said that since being named in the squad there is a better chance of the Visa problems being sorted. I am just wondering whether the Samoan RFU are doing London Irish a favour with this. I believe the long term aim was for Sa to stay at Irish for 3 years and qualify for England, but by opting for Samoa he should get on the pitch for LI sooner. Maybe this is the real reason?

Anyway, can anyone who watches League tell me how good they think he will be?

 

[Sam Owen]

Anyway, can anyone who watches League tell me how good they think he will be?

He's the goods in League. He's strong, can linebreak and can offload. He's good at League thats for sure.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Yeah, he's a very good League player, was a big fan of his at Catalans (my team).
Strong runner and defender, though with a tendency to ignore the pass and take contact (though this could be said about the majority of big centres out there ).
Think he could do well in Union, but it's certainly going to be a baptism of fire going straight into test level (if he gets game time, that is).

 

[welshy34]

I have just found out that Samoa are playing in North Wales. I hope the turn out is good and I hope to get a ticket.

Actually mate - I think it's at the Millenium Stadium- tickets still available I believe ...should be a good game - 50/50.

 

[Saintjay]

Actually mate - I think it's at the Millenium Stadium- tickets still available I believe ...should be a good game - 50/50.

Check out the thread for parc eririas at colwyn bay. It will be great.

 

[Maxwell]

My 1st XV from those chosen

1. Sakaria Taulafo - UK
2. Tii Paulo
3. Census Johnston – FRA
4. Joe Tekori – FRA
5. Filo Paulo – NZ
6. Taiasina Tuifu'a – UK
7. Ofisa Treviranus – UK
8. Kane Thompson – JPN
9. Kahn Fotualii – Wales
10. Tusi Pisi – JPN
11. Alesana Tuilagi
12. Seilala Mapusua – JPN
13. Paul Williams –UK
14. David Lemi – UK - Captain
15. Faatoina Autagavaia – NZ

 

[Super Sub]

Paul Williams has picked up an injury, and George Pisi has been called up. Hopefully Williams is still with the team, as he's only out for two weeks.

Anyway, can anyone who watches League tell me how good they think he will be?

I think Sa will go alright for LI. He played a bit of standoff for the Roosters, so he has some pretty good ball skills for a big guy. I heard he's aiming for 2nd 5, which I think fits his skill-set. It's hard to say how he'll actually go, but I know he played quite a bit of rugby growing up, so he's got some experience with this form of the game at least.

 

[j'nuh]

Why wasn't Pisi in originally? I think he's a very good player...

 

[Super Sub]

Pisi should've been in the initial squad, but unsure why he wasn't. Our coaches hardly get interviewed, so we get very little information on why players were selected or why some weren't selected.

Alesana Tuilagi has picked up an injury, so they're going to call another player up - most likely James Sooialo or Ken Pisi will be called up.

 

[Taranus]

A bit surprised neither of the Pisi's from Northampton were included in the original squad.

just noticed in the list Paul Williams is down as playing in the Uk, doesn't he now play for stade Francais?

 

[Super Sub]

I'm not surprised Ken isn't in there, as he didn't do much in the PNC, but George's exclusion was surprising. At least they didn't leave the best Pisi brother out, because he's probably our most important player.

Paul Williams does play there in France.

 

[aucklander]

Samoa finalise their squad for end of year tour. Not to impressed with the backs. Looking really weak.

[h=5]Manu Samoa Northern Hemisphere Tour: This is the confirmed list of the 30-man squad now in camp in Wales in preparation for their first game against Canada on Nov 9. (Many changes from lists previously circulated on Facebook): 1. Ropeti Lafo 2. Viliamu Afatia 3. Tii Paulo 4. Ole Avei 5. Sakaria Taulafo 6. James Johnston 7. Census Johnston 8. Faatiga Lemalu 9. Filo Paulo 10. Alafoti Faosiliva 11. Taiasina Tuifua 12. Ofisa Treviranus 13. Maurie Faasavalu 14. Setaimata Sa 15. Daniel Leo 16. Joe Tekori 17. Kahn Fotualii 18. Jeremy Sua 19. Auvasa Falealii 20. Tusi Pisi 21. Ki Anufe 22. Johnny Leota 23. George Pisi 24. Tivani Fomai 25. Robert Lilomaiava 26. James Sooialo 27. Reupena Levasa 28. Paul Perez 29. David Lemi 30. Faatoina Autagavaia[/h]

 

[Super Sub]

What's wrong with the backs? The starting backline from that group should still be good, despite the absence of Mapusua and Tuilagi.

Paul Williams is also in the team, he'll miss the Canada match, but will be back next week for the Wales game.

 

[rusty_lock]

What's wrong with the backs? The starting backline from that group should still be good, despite the absence of Mapusua and Tuilagi.

Paul Williams is also in the team, he'll miss the Canada match, but will be back next week for the Wales game.

good

 

[Super Sub]

haha my Canadian mate was pretty happy when he heard Tuilagi wasn't playing either.