samoa world cup

[TRF_Olyy]

I wouldn't be worried about going against Pesamino,
He's not great at the XV game, and isn't even great at 7s this season (despite being brilliant in the past), looks to have lost a lot of pace and is generally off the boil

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Do you guys think that possibly bringing Samao, Fiji and Tonga into the TriNations along with Argentine might help?

I am sure these nations will be at least as competitive as Argentina. Some top flight rugby with consistant team selection might do wonders with more game time also translating into more cash to develop further. Also, I am bored with Aus, NZ and SA playing each other 3 times a year.

SA, Aus, NZ, Fiji, Tonga, Arg and Samoa, 1 game each is still 6 games per team and a lot more total games. I know the fixtures might not sell out as much but a broader audience and tv rights to be sold might somewhat make up for less bums on seats.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Problem with including the P.I nations in the Trinations is that a fair few of their players play up north so wouldn't be able to feature in the squads

 

[Sam Owen]

Problem with including the P.I nations in the Trinations is that a fair few of their players play up north so wouldn't be able to feature in the squads

Yeah true that and while Im sure that playing the tri-nations teams will help out us P.I nations maginificently, in the end, I think us, Fiji and Tonga would be competing to see who gets thrashed the least lol. However we would definately improve from playing the tri-nations teams annually.

 

[Sam Owen]

I wouldn't be worried about going against Pesamino,
He's not great at the XV game, and isn't even great at 7s this season (despite being brilliant in the past), looks to have lost a lot of pace and is generally off the boil

Pesamino is only good in big open spaces like he gets in the sevens. I havent seen him lately but as you say Olyy he is now in a form slump. His defence is quite poor also, often jersey pulling. Great runner in open space but in terms of playing the 15s with the added skills that are required, he struggles.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

points taken but you ve to start somewhere else things won't change and the PI nations will never have their talent play in home based tournaments and it will be the same old problems continuing.

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

Shame about David Smith. I feel he is one of the worlds most underrated wingers. I remember thinking he was a surefire future All Black when I saw him carve up during the 2006 ANZ (now ITM) Cup. He has since been lost in the shuffle at International and Super Rugby level although he is starting to come around now with his oppurtunitys with the Western Force. Him and Auva'a couldve been more then handy additions for the Manu. Here is a summary of who I think can be in the Samoa squad with players who have yet to be capped but are eligible for Samoa for this years World cup.
PROPS : We have Sakaria Taulafo, Anthony Perenise, Cencus Johnston as our regular starters and James Afoa, Simon Lemalu at back up . Charlie Faumuina can compete for a spot in the line up if he chooses to make himself available. Na'ama Leleimalefaga is another who who is capped and plays proffesional rugby in Europe but I dont know too much about him.
HOOKER: Our depth at hooker is looking greater than its ever been at the past. With three potential starters in Mahonri Schwalger, Ti'i Paulo and Steve Fuualau i cant think of anyone else that could slot there.
LOCKS: Filo Paulo could slot in nicely as a backup or maybe even a starter alongside either Filipo Levi, Kane Thompson, Dan Leo, Pelu Pevihi and Joe Tekori.
LOOSE FORWARDS: I would like to see Serge Lilo, Filo Levave, Jack Lam, Peter Saili and Chris Lowrey make themselves available as all of whom could potentially start Alongside Jonny Fa'amatuinau, George Stowers, Henry Tuilagi or Joe Tekori. 7s stars Alfoti Faosiliva, Ofisa Treviranus and Afa Aiono have also proved themsevles to be handy and I feel are capable back ups.
SCRUMHALF: I like as it is With the emergance of Kahn Fotualii as our starter with Junior Polu and Uale Mai as capable backups.
FIRST FIVE: I feel Tasesa Lavea is our man and I think Faatonu Fili is a back up with a big X factor (He is either spectacularly brilliant or dreadfuly awful). Tusi Pisi didnt impress me when he was first five for the Islanders a few years back soo Id go with those two for now, Plus Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu can play solid at that position if need be.
CENTRES: Seilala Mapasua is a must to start with either George Pisi, Jamie Helleur, Andy Tuilagi, Elliota Fuimaono-Sapolu capable to start with him aswell as Johnny Leota, Winston Stanley if they choose to make themselves available.
WINGERS: Our depth at winger is also strong but I would choose Alesena Tuilagi and Sailosi Tagicakibau to start, with Mikaele Pesimino as the next in line. Sinoti Sinoti, Brando Va'aulu and Fautua Otto were part of the Manu squad that toured europe in November but have yet to be tested at international level. id keep Lemi 2 as a back up but I feel he has fallen behind Tuilagi, Tagicakibau and Pesamino in our depth chart.
FULL BACK: Paul williams is def our man, and Id have Apoua Stewart, Gavin Williams and Lolo Lui as back ups

My Manu Samoa team including those who are eligble but have yet to declare alleigance
1 Taulafo (Leleimalefaga/Afoa/Lemalu)
2 T Paulo (Schwalger/Fualau)
3 Perenise (Johnston/Faumuina)
4 Levi (F Paulo)
5 Thompson (Leo/Tekori/Pevihi)
6 Tuilagi (Stowers/Saili/Faamatuinau)
7 Lam (Treviranus/Levave)
8 Lilo (Tekori/Lowrey)
9 Fotualii (Polu/Mai)
10 Lavea (Sapolu/Fili)
11 Tagicakibau (Sinoti)
12 A Tuilagi (Helleur/Sapolu/Leota)
13 Mapasua (G Pisi)
14 Al Tuilagi (Pesamino)
15 P Williams (G Williams)

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Just a warning - Andy Tuilagi is pants.

He lacks the size and strength of his brothers, but plays like he doesn't, so 99/100 will get the ball and just run at the nearest player. He also has a tendancy to ball hog, even if there is a massive overlap, and then knockson when taking contact

 

[Sam Owen]

Just a warning - Andy Tuilagi is pants.

He lacks the size and strength of his brothers, but plays like he doesn't, so 99/100 will get the ball and just run at the nearest player. He also has a tendancy to ball hog, even if there is a massive overlap, and then knockson when taking contact

Oh thats just too bad. Ive only seen glimpses of him and on youtube where you normally get the best out of everybody. Ive never watched him play 80mins week in week out. So its good to get an honest opinion from someone who has, shot for that Olyy (shot here in NZ means thanks).

However I hope he gets smarter in his attack. He sounds very one dimensional. I can only hope he gets it together because he might be the best we've got and Ill have to support him.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

To be fair he is looking better recently, finding more gaps and the such, and does like to look for an offload in contact, but his distribution is poor (his passing is fine, he just doesn't pass)

I don't really know a lot about Samoan rugby, but I'd presume there are better players to put at 12, though he could do the job if needed - he's the worst of the Tuilagi brothers going (though that could be like saying "I found some money, but it was only £5, not £50 - they're all pretty good )

He is a strong runner, and is very good in defence (quickly back into the line etc.)

 

[Darwin]

Shame about David Smith. I feel he is one of the worlds most underrated wingers. I remember thinking he was a surefire future All Black when I saw him carve up during the 2006 ANZ (now ITM) Cup. He has since been lost in the shuffle at International and Super Rugby level although he is starting to come around now with his oppurtunitys with the Western Force. Him and Auva'a couldve been more then handy additions for the Manu. Here is a summary of who I think can be in the Samoa squad with players who have yet to be capped but are eligible for Samoa for this years World cup.
PROPS : We have Sakaria Taulafo, Anthony Perenise, Cencus Johnston as our regular starters and James Afoa, Simon Lemalu at back up . Charlie Faumuina can compete for a spot in the line up if he chooses to make himself available. Na'ama Leleimalefaga is another who who is capped and plays proffesional rugby in Europe but I dont know too much about him.
HOOKER: Our depth at hooker is looking greater than its ever been at the past. With three potential starters in Mahonri Schwalger, Ti'i Paulo and Steve Fuualau i cant think of anyone else that could slot there.
LOCKS: Filo Paulo could slot in nicely as a backup or maybe even a starter alongside either Filipo Levi, Kane Thompson, Dan Leo, Pelu Pevihi and Joe Tekori.
LOOSE FORWARDS: I would like to see Serge Lilo, Filo Levave, Jack Lam, Peter Saili and Chris Lowrey make themselves available as all of whom could potentially start Alongside Jonny Fa'amatuinau, George Stowers, Henry Tuilagi or Joe Tekori. 7s stars Alfoti Faosiliva, Ofisa Treviranus and Afa Aiono have also proved themsevles to be handy and I feel are capable back ups.
SCRUMHALF: I like as it is With the emergance of Kahn Fotualii as our starter with Junior Polu and Uale Mai as capable backups.
FIRST FIVE: I feel Tasesa Lavea is our man and I think Faatonu Fili is a back up with a big X factor (He is either spectacularly brilliant or dreadfuly awful). Tusi Pisi didnt impress me when he was first five for the Islanders a few years back soo Id go with those two for now, Plus Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu can play solid at that position if need be.
CENTRES: Seilala Mapasua is a must to start with either George Pisi, Jamie Helleur, Andy Tuilagi, Elliota Fuimaono-Sapolu capable to start with him aswell as Johnny Leota, Winston Stanley if they choose to make themselves available.
WINGERS: Our depth at winger is also strong but I would choose Alesena Tuilagi and Sailosi Tagicakibau to start, with Mikaele Pesimino as the next in line. Sinoti Sinoti, Brando Va'aulu and Fautua Otto were part of the Manu squad that toured europe in November but have yet to be tested at international level. id keep Lemi 2 as a back up but I feel he has fallen behind Tuilagi, Tagicakibau and Pesamino in our depth chart.
FULL BACK: Paul williams is def our man, and Id have Apoua Stewart, Gavin Williams and Lolo Lui as back ups

My Manu Samoa team including those who are eligble but have yet to declare alleigance
1 Taulafo (Leleimalefaga/Afoa/Lemalu)
2 T Paulo (Schwalger/Fualau)
3 Perenise (Johnston/Faumuina)
4 Levi (F Paulo)
5 Thompson (Leo/Tekori/Pevihi)
6 Tuilagi (Stowers/Saili/Faamatuinau)
7 Lam (Treviranus/Levave)
8 Lilo (Tekori/Lowrey)
9 Fotualii (Polu/Mai)
10 Lavea (Sapolu/Fili)
11 Tagicakibau (Sinoti)
12 A Tuilagi (Helleur/Sapolu/Leota)
13 Mapasua (G Pisi)
14 Al Tuilagi (Pesamino)
15 P Williams (G Williams)

A really good analysis of the options there. Personally I'd be surprised if many new players declare themselves eligible for Samoa this close to the RWC, though I do believe Serge Lilo is one player who has yet to play for Samoa who is likely to be available. If he is available he will certainly be a good option at 7 (not 8 though).

I still worry about Samoa having to resort to Lavea at 10, as he has never displayed any ability to control a game. Personally I'd be more happy for them to play Fotuali'i at first-five (outside Polu), even though he would be playing out of position. Apart from the lack of a quality 10, this looks to be potentially the strongest Samoan side I've ever seen. I think they could cause some teams a lot of trouble come RWC time.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

For anyone vaguely interested Paul Williams got two tries against Gloucester for Sale (one set up by Andy Tuilagi):



Also stumbled across these vids if anyones interested in seeing how he's going for Sale (easily our best player this season)

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

Just a warning - Andy Tuilagi is pants.

He lacks the size and strength of his brothers, but plays like he doesn't, so 99/100 will get the ball and just run at the nearest player. He also has a tendancy to ball hog, even if there is a massive overlap, and then knockson when taking contact

I havent seen too much of him at club level, but I have seen him turn out for Samoa where he has been pretty solid in the past. If not him Id be happy with Helleur who was impressive in last years Pacific nations cup, Sapolu who has been good in the past and I hear plays pretty well at Club level (correct me if Im wrong), or G Pisi who partnered Mapasua in the centres during the November tests.

 

[Darwin]

I havent seen too much of him at club level, but I have seen him turn out for Samoa where he has been pretty solid in the past. If not him Id be happy with Helleur who was impressive in last years Pacific nations cup, Sapolu who has been good in the past and I hear plays pretty well at Club level (correct me if Im wrong), or G Pisi who partnered Mapasua in the centres during the November tests.

Personally I'd be surprised if George Pisi wasn't partnered with Mapasua in the midfield. I'm not a big fan of Helleur as his distribution is poor - he generally just tucks the ball under his arm and runs straight (and rumor has it he is quitting international rugby in any case). Another who may come into contention in the midfield is Josh Tatupu - he's a strong runner, but he doesn't tend to pass that ball, which is not what you need when you have the outside backs that Samoa have...

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

Personally I'd be surprised if George Pisi wasn't partnered with Mapasua in the midfield. I'm not a big fan of Helleur as his distribution is poor - he generally just tucks the ball under his arm and runs straight (and rumor has it he is quitting international rugby in any case). Another who may come into contention in the midfield is Josh Tatupu - he's a strong runner, but he doesn't tend to pass that ball, which is not what you need when you have the outside backs that Samoa have...

What about Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, any thoughts on him? I think though it is without question that Mapasua is a must to start in whatever centre combination they decide to go with.

 

[Darwin]

What about Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, any thoughts on him? I think though it is without question that Mapasua is a must to start in whatever centre combination they decide to go with.

I haven't seen a lot of Fuimaono-Sapolu at club level (though apparently he has been playing well), but he always looks good for Samoa. I think they will seriously consider playing him at 10 rather than Lavea (7/10 starts Fuimaono-Sapolu has had for Samoa since 2007 have been in the 10 jersey), though he would be a good option at 12 as well.

 

[Melhor Time]

Sorry for the late arrival. I am giving Samoa a win vs Namibia and three losses. Great players but all in the same positions. Tremendous options at 8 but none at 7. i.e. Henry Tuilagi, George Stowers and Joe Tekori. No fetchers but all superb tacklers and ball carriers. Hard to thus have a game plan to knock over two of Fiji, Wales and South Africa. Same is true of the centres. They are certainly capable of making the final 8 but for me they´ll only defeat Namibia.

My Samoan team:
15 Paul Williams (Sale, ENG)
14 David Lemi (London Wasps, ENG)
13 Seilala Mapusua (London Irish, ENG)
12 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu (Gloucester, ENG) *
11 Alesana Tuilagi (Leicester, ENG)
10 Tasesa Lavea (Clermont, FRA)
9 Junior Poluleuligaga (Exeter, ENG)
8 Henry Tuilagi (Perpignan, FRA)
7 Manaia Salaveá (Narborne, FRA)
6 George Stowers (London Irish, ENG)
5 Filipo Levi (Newcastle, ENG)
4 Joe Tekori (Castres, FRA)
3 Census Johnson (Toulouse, FRA)
2 Mahonra Schwalger capitão (Taranaki, NZ)
1 Na´ama Leleimalefaga (Montpellier, FRA)

Reserves: 16 Tií Paulo (Clermont, FRA), 17 Anthony Perenise (Hawkes Bay, NZ), 18 Kane Thompson (Dax, FRA), 19 Daniel Leo´o (Bordeaux, FRA), 20 Kahn Fotuali'i (Hawkes Bay, NZ), 21 George Pisi (Taranaki, NZ), 22 Gavin Williams (Clermont, FRA).

Aditrional squad members: 23 Steve Fualau (Canterbury, NZ), 24 Sakaria Taulafo (London Wasps, ENG), 25 Chris Timaloa (Queensland Reds, AUS), 26 Ofisa Trevarinus (Malie, Samoa), 27 Afa Aiono (A'ana, Samoa), 28 Uale Mai (El Salvador, Spain), 29 Brando Va'aulu (Bourgoin, FRA), 30 Henry Fa´afili (Leeds, ENG).


* Fotunuupule Auelua would be my 12 if avaliable. He is from new Zealand but of Samoan decent. Playing really well for Toulon. I´d have him at 12 with Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu playing 10. If not possible then Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu is 10 with Tasesa Lavea at 10.
BTW this is a sneak preview. It´ll be published next week on www.rugbymania.com.br

 

[psychic duck]

My Samoa squad

15. Paul Williams (Sale)
14. Sailosi Tagicakibau (London Irish)
13. George Pisi (Clermont)
12. Seilala Mapusua (London Irish)
11. Alesana Tuilagi (Leicester)
10. Tasesa Lavea (Clermont)
9. Kahn Fotuali'i (Crusaders)
1. Zak Taulafo (Wasps)
2. Ti'i Paulo (Clermont)
3. Cencus Johnston (Toulouse)
4. Filipo Levi (Newcastle)
5. Joe Tekori (Castres)
6. Maurie Fa'asavalu (Harlequins)
7. Jack Lam (Hurricanes)
8. Henry Tuilagi (Perpignan)

16. Mahonri Schwalger (Highlanders)
17. Anthony Perenise (Hurricanes)
18. Pelu Taele-Pavihi (Biarritz)
19. George Stowers (London Irish)
20. Junior Poluleuligaga (Exeter)
21. Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu (Gloucester)
22. David Lemi (Wasps)

R. Simon Lemalu (Chiefs)
R. Na'ama Leleimalefaga (Montpellier)
R. Steve Fualau (Canterbury)
R. Kane Thompson (Southland)
R. Manu Salavea (Narbonne)
R. Serge Lilo (Hurricanes)
R. Peter Saili (Blues)
R. John Senio (Grenoble)
R. Gavin Williams (Clermont)
R. Elvis Seveali'i (London Irish)

Backup players in case of injury: James Afoa (Biarritz), Daniel Leo (Bordeaux), Jonny Fa'amatuainu (Scarlets), Chris Lowrey (Blues), Uale Mai (El Salvador), Lolo Lui (Apia), Josh Tatupu (Castres)

note: Jamie Helleur has retired from internationals

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

Sorry for the late arrival. I am giving Samoa a win vs Namibia and three losses. Great players but all in the same positions. Tremendous options at 8 but none at 7. i.e. Henry Tuilagi, George Stowers and Joe Tekori. No fetchers but all superb tacklers and ball carriers. Hard to thus have a game plan to knock over two of Fiji, Wales and South Africa. Same is true of the centres. They are certainly capable of making the final 8 but for me they´ll only defeat Namibia.

My Samoan team:
15 Paul Williams (Sale, ENG)
14 David Lemi (London Wasps, ENG)
13 Seilala Mapusua (London Irish, ENG)
12 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu (Gloucester, ENG) *
11 Alesana Tuilagi (Leicester, ENG)
10 Tasesa Lavea (Clermont, FRA)
9 Junior Poluleuligaga (Exeter, ENG)
8 Henry Tuilagi (Perpignan, FRA)
7 Manaia Salaveá (Narborne, FRA)
6 George Stowers (London Irish, ENG)
5 Filipo Levi (Newcastle, ENG)
4 Joe Tekori (Castres, FRA)
3 Census Johnson (Toulouse, FRA)
2 Mahonra Schwalger capitão (Taranaki, NZ)
1 Na´ama Leleimalefaga (Montpellier, FRA)

Reserves: 16 Tií Paulo (Clermont, FRA), 17 Anthony Perenise (Hawkes Bay, NZ), 18 Kane Thompson (Dax, FRA), 19 Daniel Leo´o (Bordeaux, FRA), 20 Kahn Fotuali'i (Hawkes Bay, NZ), 21 George Pisi (Taranaki, NZ), 22 Gavin Williams (Clermont, FRA).

Aditrional squad members: 23 Steve Fualau (Canterbury, NZ), 24 Sakaria Taulafo (London Wasps, ENG), 25 Chris Timaloa (Queensland Reds, AUS), 26 Ofisa Trevarinus (Malie, Samoa), 27 Afa Aiono (A'ana, Samoa), 28 Uale Mai (El Salvador, Spain), 29 Brando Va'aulu (Bourgoin, FRA), 30 Henry Fa´afili (Leeds, ENG).


* Fotunuupule Auelua would be my 12 if avaliable. He is from new Zealand but of Samoan decent. Playing really well for Toulon. I´d have him at 12 with Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu playing 10. If not possible then Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu is 10 with Tasesa Lavea at 10.
BTW this is a sneak preview. It´ll be published next week on www.rugbymania.com.br

Hey melhor, good to see a familiar face here. My old alias was Ws4life on here and you may remember me from the old IRB forum from a few years back..how you been ?

Interesting squad...though I'm astounded u left out Kahn Fotuali'i out of the starting line up..the guy was a star for Samoa when they picked him up for the end of year international tests. He could just about start in any international side and you have on the bench?...interesting. Salavea is one in your line up which has failed to impress me in his games for Samoa and i would have him on the bench at best...you are right though with Samoa having a decent stock of players available at number 6 and 8 but very thin at number 7. Lots of hard hitting runners and tacklers in the loose forwards but none that can reliably and consistently turn the ball over at the break down.We've lacked a true pilfering number 7 for god knows how long (I cant remember the last since I started following the Manu back in 2003). The one that comes to mind is Maurie Faasavalu. He could've been great but moved to league after the world cup in 2003. He has since moved back to union, but I feel its too late for him to develop into the pilfering open side flanker we've been searching for ever since he intitially left out. Salavea for me is not the answer. I would prefer Jack Lam or Faifili Levave if they make themselves available....if not George Stowers, or Ofisa Treviranus as our other options. One last player I'll touch on in your line up, David Lemi. I hear good things about him playing at club level, yet there hasn't been a game I've seen him play for Samoa which has had him standout for me. He has had amble chances to shine, but has yet to done anything spectacular. 5 tries in 25 tests just isn't enough for a wing at international level. I Feel Alesena Tuilagi and Sailosi Tagicakibau Are bigger impact players with more to offer and should be our starters, with An in form Mikaele Pesamino (I don't care what others are saying about him, but in last years PNC for me he was their player of the tournament) the next player down in our depth.

I do agree that Samoa will find it tough to beat South Africa, Wales and Fiji. Fiji will be a 50/50 game as both teams are pretty equal and I feel it just depends on whose day it turns out to be (hopefully Samoa) Wales I'm sure will be frothing at the mouth to avenge all their past world cup humiliations in one World Cup showing so I'm expecting them to come prepared and ready to fire. Samoa (or Fiji for that matter) will have to play at their absolute BEST for them to have a chance to topple the welsh. South Africa always tends to be too much of a handful for Samoa even at their best but who knows...fellow islanders Tonga proved anything is possible at the last world cup, with only the bounce of the ball in the dying seconds 5 meters out from them scoring a try denying them the greatest of all upsets. Namibia shouldn't be underestimated, but I feel Samoa should def come up tops there. For me I predict 1 guaranteed win, 2 crunch games against Wales and Fiji to decide who qualifies for the the next round at the world cup. Best I can realistically hope for is 3 outta 4 and a quarter finals berth.

 

[psychic duck]

I wouldn't be worried about going against Pesamino,
He's not great at the XV game, and isn't even great at 7s this season (despite being brilliant in the past), looks to have lost a lot of pace and is generally off the boil

bitter Sale fan?