samoa world cup

[DJRonStar]

Afakasi Assasin - I don't rate George Stowers and if all the players that I mentioned were available for Samoa then he would be lower down in the pecking order. Gives away too many penalties and does some silly things. I like Maurie and he's been playing well for the quins since returning from League. Too slow to play open side and needs to be busier around the field. The reason why I would have Chris Lowrie or Fa'afili Levave at number 6 is because they are 80 minute players who both are big defensive players and both gain good yards with ball in hand especially Levave. Super rugby is faster than the Heineken cup and that's the intensity and higher that teams will be playing at in the world cup. The more super rugby players we have the better. But that's just my thoughts. Selectors will probably look at the safer option and select experienced players.

psychic duck - Johnny Leota had a few seasons with the highlanders, but wasn't selected for this years squad. Spent much of last season injured whilst playing for his provincial side Manawatu. A solid midfielder and will be lucky to make the Samoa world cup squad. Herman Porter plays for Easts in the Brisbane club rugby competition. Part of the Samoan development squad a few years ago. Havn't seen much of his play to comment on. Taputoa Rea played rugby league in the Toyota cup a few seasons ago for Paramatta Eels. Was part of the Samoan A squad that toured NZ and Australia earlier this year. Chris Slade, originally from Marist St Pats in Wellington but is now playing in the Melbourne Rebels squad and very unlucky not to have started in any of the games so far this year.
Sureprised me he hasn't made the Wellington ITM cup team over the last few seasons hence his move to the Melbourne. A very versatile player who could cover most backline positions. A very good kicker as well. Best 2 out of the top - Johnny Leota and Chris Slade.

Ahsee Tuala - Plays for Counties Manukau in the ITM cup and is a player for the futue. Good to see him pledge his allegiance to Samoa. Was in superb form for Counties Manukau last season and has been playing well for the chiefs development squad this year. Can play wing or fullback but best position is fullback. Has good speed and is a solid defender. A good line breaker and has a nice step. Should be unlucky if he was to miss out on a world cup spot.

Yes, Gavin suffered a season ending in jury earlier this year.

 

[Darwin]

Afakasi Assasin - I don't rate George Stowers and if all the players that I mentioned were available for Samoa then he would be lower down in the pecking order. Gives away too many penalties and does some silly things. I like Maurie and he's been playing well for the quins since returning from League. Too slow to play open side and needs to be busier around the field. The reason why I would have Chris Lowrie or Fa'afili Levave at number 6 is because they are 80 minute players who both are big defensive players and both gain good yards with ball in hand especially Levave. Super rugby is faster than the Heineken cup and that's the intensity and higher that teams will be playing at in the world cup. The more super rugby players we have the better. But that's just my thoughts. Selectors will probably look at the safer option and select experienced players.

psychic duck - Johnny Leota had a few seasons with the highlanders, but wasn't selected for this years squad. Spent much of last season injured whilst playing for his provincial side Manawatu. A solid midfielder and will be lucky to make the Samoa world cup squad. Herman Porter plays for Easts in the Brisbane club rugby competition. Part of the Samoan development squad a few years ago. Havn't seen much of his play to comment on. Taputoa Rea played rugby league in the Toyota cup a few seasons ago for Paramatta Eels. Was part of the Samoan A squad that toured NZ and Australia earlier this year. Chris Slade, originally from Marist St Pats in Wellington but is now playing in the Melbourne Rebels squad and very unlucky not to have started in any of the games so far this year.
Sureprised me he hasn't made the Wellington ITM cup team over the last few seasons hence his move to the Melbourne. A very versatile player who could cover most backline positions. A very good kicker as well. Best 2 out of the top - Johnny Leota and Chris Slade.

Ahsee Tuala - Plays for Counties Manukau in the ITM cup and is a player for the futue. Good to see him pledge his allegiance to Samoa. Was in superb form for Counties Manukau last season and has been playing well for the chiefs development squad this year. Can play wing or fullback but best position is fullback. Has good speed and is a solid defender. A good line breaker and has a nice step. Should be unlucky if he was to miss out on a world cup spot.

Yes, Gavin suffered a season ending in jury earlier this year.

I was going to comment on Johnny Leota and Ashee Tuala, but you've summarised them perfectly!
Just briefly, I think Ashee Tuala and Apoua Stewart are competing for one spot in the squad, as I believe they need a speicalist fullback to backup Paul Williams. Stewart is possibly the more dependable option, but Tuala is certainly the more exciting of the two, and is a player with a big future. I was slightly surprised that Tuala wasn't included in the main Chiefs squad this year (instead he was included in the wider training squad). Personally I would have Tuala in the squad.

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

Afakasi Assasin - I don't rate George Stowers and if all the players that I mentioned were available for Samoa then he would be lower down in the pecking order. Gives away too many penalties and does some silly things. I like Maurie and he's been playing well for the quins since returning from League. Too slow to play open side and needs to be busier around the field. The reason why I would have Chris Lowrie or Fa'afili Levave at number 6 is because they are 80 minute players who both are big defensive players and both gain good yards with ball in hand especially Levave. Super rugby is faster than the Heineken cup and that's the intensity and higher that teams will be playing at in the world cup. The more super rugby players we have the better. But that's just my thoughts. Selectors will probably look at the safer option and select experienced players.

Stowers can be hit and miss at times. I remember when he first played for Samoa I thought he was a poor mans Henry Tuilagi...But he is a good player who gets to the breakdown well and hits & tackles real hard and I also think if need be he can be a good leader (Has captained Manu Samoa in the past). Maurie would be at blindside flanker if he were to play as he has been at Harlequins and not at openside. Fa'afili Levave and Chris Lowrey would be right up there in contention to start as would Jack Lam and Serge Lilo, BUT remember they still have yet to pledge alleigance. So its best atm to stick to what we KNOW we have for now, but hopefuly as I said things may change come the end of the Super rugby season and closer to the RWC

 

[psychic duck]

is Leota an inside centre or an outside centre?

can somebody write a short profile of the players in the Samoa squad

something similar to this from 1999
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/rugby/world_cup/news/1999/09/26/samoa_bios/

Samoa squad seen on this link
http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=60992

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

is Leota an inside centre or an outside centre?

can somebody write a short profile of the players in the Samoa squad

something similar to this from 1999
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/rugby/world_cup/news/1999/09/26/samoa_bios/

Samoa squad seen on this link
http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=60992

I can try if I can find the time.

 

[Darwin]

is Leota an inside centre or an outside centre?

can somebody write a short profile of the players in the Samoa squad

something similar to this from 1999
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/rugby/world_cup/news/1999/09/26/samoa_bios/

Samoa squad seen on this link
http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=60992

Leota generally played 12 for the Highlanders, but can play either 12 or 13 equally well (he's probably played about the same amount of time at 13 as he has at 12 for Manawatu).

 

[Super Sub]

Stowers to me is definitely better than Levave, Lowrey and Taylor(not sure why Taylor is there to be honest). Of all the backrowers, Treviranus and Stowers are certainties, and I can see Tuilagi, Faasavalu and Salavea getting the other 3 backrow spots.

Some of the players listed probably left their run too late and should've opted last year. Playing too many new combinations this close to the World Cup is a bit too risky, and reminds me of how things were in 2007.

 

[DJRonStar]

Levave has been in dynamite form and it wouldn't surprise me if the All Black coaches and Mark Hammet have been in his ears to stay committed to NZ. He's only 24 and that's still young for a loose forward so as much as I'd like to see him don the colours of Manu Samoa, I think long term he's eying up the black jersey. Jack Lam is in the same boat. With the amount of Abs leaving after the world cup, some of the younger players will feel like they have the chance to step up and make the AB's.

I'm not a Hurricanes supporter but the back three of Levave, Lam and Vito kind of reminds me of the three bouncers that use to play for the Hurricanes not so long ago... Masoe, Collins and So'oialo.

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

IM hopeing the fact that the world cup is in New Zealand and itll likely be their only chance to ever play a world cup at home, that more New Zealand based players will make themselves available.

 

[Super Sub]

Levave has been in dynamite form and it wouldn't surprise me if the All Black coaches and Mark Hammet have been in his ears to stay committed to NZ. He's only 24 and that's still young for a loose forward so as much as I'd like to see him don the colours of Manu Samoa, I think long term he's eying up the black jersey. Jack Lam is in the same boat. With the amount of Abs leaving after the world cup, some of the younger players will feel like they have the chance to step up and make the AB's.

I'm not a Hurricanes supporter but the back three of Levave, Lam and Vito kind of reminds me of the three bouncers that use to play for the Hurricanes not so long ago... Masoe, Collins and So'oialo.

I still think Levave has some development left before he's ready for the test arena, but Lam is one I'd be interested in right now. It'd be nice if we can gets guys like Levave next year when we start building for 2015, because our current lot of backrowers are close to shutting shop on their test careers.

The good days of the Bouncers - the Canes could use another set of them right about now.

IM hopeing the fact that the world cup is in New Zealand and itll likely be their only chance to ever play a world cup at home, that more New Zealand based players will make themselves available.

It's hard to see anyone not named in that training squad list being included this close to the World Cup. From what I know, most of the players are already in Samoa for the trials and training camp. Interesting to hear that the boys will be in a 10 week training camp before the World Cup - that's like music to my ears.

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

I still think Levave has some development left before he's ready for the test arena, but Lam is one I'd be interested in right now. It'd be nice if we can gets guys like Levave next year when we start building for 2015, because our current lot of backrowers are close to shutting shop on their test careers.

It's hard to see anyone not named in that training squad list being included this close to the World Cup. From what I know, most of the players are already in Samoa for the trials and training camp. Interesting to hear that the boys will be in a 10 week training camp before the World Cup - that's like music to my ears.

Yes your right, Id say this would be the the last world cup we'll see the likes of Maurie Fa'asavalu, George Stowers, Henry Tuilagi and Ray Ofisa. Ofisa Treviranus, Manaia Salavea, Jonny Fa'amatuianu, Afa Aiono, Alfoti Faosiliva and Ezra Taylor are the ones who we are going to build a foundation around in the future. Im sure well find others who will make themselves available in the next couple of years soo Im confident well be in good hands. What we need though is to find a scavenger at number 7 something Im not sure we have in our current arsenal and havent for some time now.

It is great that they are in camp already now. Im sure they are still trying to raise the funds to keep them there but hopefuly they can, with proper preparation (apart from the lack of funds) they could do well come world cup time.

 

[Super Sub]

Yes your right, Id say this would be the the last world cup we'll see the likes of Maurie Fa'asavalu, George Stowers, Henry Tuilagi and Ray Ofisa. Ofisa Treviranus, Manaia Salavea, Jonny Fa'amatuianu, Afa Aiono, Alfoti Faosiliva and Ezra Taylor are the ones who we are going to build a foundation around in the future. Im sure well find others who will make themselves available in the next couple of years soo Im confident well be in good hands. What we need though is to find a scavenger at number 7 something Im not sure we have in our current arsenal and havent for some time now.

It is great that they are in camp already now. Im sure they are still trying to raise the funds to keep them there but hopefuly they can, with proper preparation (apart from the lack of funds) they could do well come world cup time.

There are also some young backrow talent in Samoa who I'd like us to keep developing like Misioka Timoteo, Richard Muagututi'<wbr>a, Falemiga Selesele, Suamalie Tuiletufuga and Semiperive Semeane - some of these guys have more talent than their pro-counterparts, but they need to play more high level matches.

I don't think a scavenger is a necessity in today's game. We were one of the best teams at turning over ball at the end of last year and we did that just by committing numbers at the breakdown and hard counter-rucking.

Yup. Hopefully they get the funds and I'm sure they will, somehow. If all goes well, this should be our best preparation going into a World Cup. We showed last year, that with a bit more preparation time, we can compete with the best of them.

Here is a look at the near finished High Performance and Admin centre where the boys will be staying leading up to the World Cup: http://wgcoconutwireless.blogspot.com/2011/06/samoa-rugbys-new-training-and-admin.html

 

[aucklander]

Will the PNC be broadcasted on the SKY TV Network here in NZ?? Samoa will probably have a full squad come their final PNC Game against Tonga as the super rugby will come to an end. So Australia vs Samoa will be an awesome game. Henry Tuilagi and Maurie Fa'asavalu to run over the ozzy forward pack.. Look out. Wales and South Africa.

 

[bonafidehamo]

1. Sakaria Taulafo2. Mahonri Schwalger3. Anthony Perenise4. Kane Thompson5. Joe Tekori6. Ofisa Treviranus7. Manaia Salavea8. George Stowers9. Kahn Fotuali'i10. Tasesa Lavea11. Alesana Tuilagi12. Seilala Mapusua13. George Pisi14. Sailosi Tagicakibau15. Paul Williams16. Census Johnston17. Ti'i Paulo18. Jonny Fa'amatuainu19. Maurie Fa'asavalu20. Uale Mai21. Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu22. Fautua OttoI think the bench needs players that will make an impact, not just second-best starters. If our starters can keep teams such as Wales, and Fiji close during the first half then the quality of our bench will likely determine the outcome of the game. Filipo Levi is either starting, or not included in the 22; likewise for a number of other players not included in my XV; not that they aren't good, it's just that they aren't impact players and are second-best starters. The scrum is still very strong without Johnston, and I think his dynamic play can exploit some defenses. I would have Alafoti Fa'osiliva in there if he's fit because he always has massive impact off the bench. Uale Mai is also does a good job off the bench. Henry Tuilagi was a beast in 2007 but he needs to prove himself at the PNC if he wants to be starting. As for the coaches previous tactic of moving Fotuali'i to fly-half as the game progresses, I think this is a bad idea. He is a world-class halfback and bringing on someone like Mai to replace Lavea at 10 will be a better option.

 

[bonafidehamo]

There are also some young backrow talent in Samoa who I'd like us to keep developing like Misioka Timoteo, Richard Muagututi'<wbr>a, Falemiga Selesele, Suamalie Tuiletufuga and Semiperive Semeane - some of these guys have more talent than their pro-counterparts, but they need to play more high level matches.

I don't think a scavenger is a necessity in today's game. We were one of the best teams at turning over ball at the end of last year and we did that just by committing numbers at the breakdown and hard counter-rucking.

Yup. Hopefully they get the funds and I'm sure they will, somehow. If all goes well, this should be our best preparation going into a World Cup. We showed last year, that with a bit more preparation time, we can compete with the best of them.

Here is a look at the near finished High Performance and Admin centre where the boys will be staying leading up to the World Cup: http://wgcoconutwireless.blogspot.com/2011/06/samoa-rugbys-new-training-and-admin.html

I disagree uce. A good #7 or a ball-pilferer equivalent (e.g Henrich Brussouw #6) is very important for a team's success.
David Pockock, Richie Mccaw, Heinrich Brussouw are the sort of players that will literally force turnovers or penalties; these players can shift the momentum of a game with that one ability; even if its only a couple of times in a game.

No one wants a reminder, but remember 2007 RWC where Tonga were on fire? Their above-par performances were due to one Nili Latu who had the ability to steal opposition ball at the ruck.

Samoa needs someone, i just hope they find one before the RWC, or devise some plan to replace this defficiency!.

 

[Hulk Hogan]

Samoa needs someone, i just hope they find one before the RWC, or devise some plan to replace this defficiency!.

Hit them so hard they won't want to run the ball or enter rucks.

 

[DJRonStar]

From the current squad I don't think there are any real scavengers in the team. Manaia is more a number 6 and as good as Ofisa is, I think he's more of a number 6 as well. I've heard that Serge Lilo is keen to play for Samoa but he;s still injured. Not sure how far away he is but he'd be the ideal number 7 Samoa would love to have.

Just heard that Kahn Fotuali'i will play number 10 for Hawkes Bay in the ITM cup.

 

[bonafidehamo]

From the current squad I don't think there are any real scavengers in the team. Manaia is more a number 6 and as good as Ofisa is, I think he's more of a number 6 as well. I've heard that Serge Lilo is keen to play for Samoa but he;s still injured. Not sure how far away he is but he'd be the ideal number 7 Samoa would love to have.

Just heard that Kahn Fotuali'i will play number 10 for Hawkes Bay in the ITM cup.

True, i guess they are lacking a #10.

Sure the guy can play #10 but he was very close to All Blacks selection because of his performances at #9.
I just have bad memories of him throwing the intercept ball against England in last years EOYT when he switched to first receiver.
He did however make some great line breaks from that position so i guess it comes down to the form of Lavea.

I wouldn't risk rushing in Fili who has never impressed me wearing the blue jersey. I have never seen T.Pisi playing.. only on Rugby '08.
Let's just hope that whoever is picked to play Japan manages to get us a win.... We need a start to our RWC preparations.

Go MANU!

 

[AfakasiAssasin]

True, i guess they are lacking a #10. Sure the guy can play #10 but he was very close to All Blacks selection because of his performances at #9. I just have bad memories of him throwing the intercept ball against England in last years EOYT when he switched to first receiver. He did however make some great line breaks from that position so i guess it comes down to the form of Lavea. I wouldn't risk rushing in Fili who has never impressed me wearing the blue jersey. I have never seen T.Pisi playing.. only on Rugby '08. Let's just hope that whoever is picked to play Japan manages to get us a win.... We need a start to our RWC preparations. Go MANU!

I remember him doing that. To be fair though that was the only mistake I remember seeing from him the whole tour. I think for me, if their was a success story from the end of year tour it was the set piece actually working and doing such a good job competing, the loose trio and our half backs combining well, and the emergence of players such as Kahn Fotuali'i, Ofisa Treviranus and Anthony Perenise. Kahn to me is our half back for the foreseeable future. They should leave him there as I feel he's got that position secured as his own with probably Uale Mai as bak up.At first five we should keep Tasesa Lavea for the time being as our main stay. If they are to experiment during the PNC give Tusi Pisi and Fili some game time there and then to see where they're at. Whoever performes the best in the next couple of weeks I think will be our RWC starter.

 

[Darwin]

From the current squad I don't think there are any real scavengers in the team. Manaia is more a number 6 and as good as Ofisa is, I think he's more of a number 6 as well. I've heard that Serge Lilo is keen to play for Samoa but he;s still injured. Not sure how far away he is but he'd be the ideal number 7 Samoa would love to have.

Just heard that Kahn Fotuali'i will play number 10 for Hawkes Bay in the ITM cup.

I'm sure Fotuali'i will get game time at both 9 and 10 during the ITM Cup; it really depends on who is in the better form out of Chris Eaton and Dan Kirpatrick. He was very effective at 10 for Hawkes' Bay there last year; I definately think he is a viable option for Samoa in the 10 jersey...