Thursday, 12 July 2007

Lima on the verge of RWC history


Seventeen years ago a shy 18-year-old made his international debut for Samoa, winning the first of 63 caps in a career that has taken this wing cum centre around the world and seen him described as his country’s greatest player of all time.

He may now be 35 and in the twilight of his career, but there is one final benchmark for the popular Brian Lima to set before he hangs up the boots to spend time with his family – playing in his fifth Rugby World Cup with Samoa.

Lima is already a member of the select club to have played in four World Cups – one that includes England prop Jason Leonard and Canada fly half Gareth Rees – but will create history by running out against South Africa in Paris on 9 September.

“It means a lot to me and if I get picked for the World Cup it is very special for me because I don’t think anyone played five World Cups,” Lima, who has scored 31 tries – 10 of them in World Cups – in his 63 Tests for Samoa, told Total Rugby Radio.

“I think the only reason if I make the World Cup is because of the training, keeping fit and also not too many major injuries. I think something I have looked forward to every year is to recondition my body and the challenge to make my career even longer.”

Only five players – all of them World Cup winners – can better Lima’s 16 appearances on the sport's biggest stage in South Africa’s Joost van der Westhuizen (17), All Black forwards Richard Loe and Sean Fitzpatrick and England pair Martin Johnson and Jason Leonard.

An icon of Samoa rugby
Samoa did not play in the inaugural World Cup in 1987 when Loe and Fitzpatrick triumphed, but Lima remembers watching the tournament unfold from his home and seeing a player with Samoan heritage help New Zealand lift the Webb Ellis Cup in Auckland.

“It was very special that I was in Samoa watching that World Cup and watching the final with New Zealand against France and all Samoa I think supported New Zealand because one of the Samoan players played that game,” recalled Lima.

“He [Michael Jones] played really well and also he scored a try in the final against France and now he is the coach of our team. I was here [Samoa] in 1987, watching a World Cup in New Zealand.”

Lima may have watched Jones on that day 20 years ago, but the regard in which the former All Black flanker holds a player who has started every one of Samoa’s World Cup matches was evident during last month’s IRB Pacific Nations Cup.

“It’s been a real honour and a privilege to have Brian in the Manu Samoa team,” Jones said before Lima’s final Test on home soil against Tonga. “He has been a wonderful asset; he’s such a consummate professional – a real icon of Samoan rugby.”

Many others would echo Jones’ tribute to Lima, a humble and down to earth individual who has played club or provincial rugby in New Zealand, Japan, France and England, not to mention helped Samoa enjoy a World Cup debut to remember.

Rising to the challenge
On that famous day Western Samoa – as they were then known – stunned Wales 16-13 at Cardiff Arms Park to cause the first real World Cup upset, one that understandably ranks highly in Lima’s highpoints across his four tournaments.

“Well I think when Samoa first appeared, first qualified for 1991 and we beat Wales and we beat Argentina. We were very close to beating Australia and also we made the quarterfinals,” enthused Lima.

“And also in the last World Cup when we played England and were very close to beating England in 2003 [they lost 35-22 in Melbourne]. I think they are the most special moments in my career for playing World Cups.”

Ironically Samoa have again been drawn in the same pool as England and South Africa in 2007, a challenge that Lima – who has scored at least two tries in each of his four previous World Cups – and his teammates are ready to rise to in France.

“For Samoa we will just go out and play to the best of our ability and play with the Tier 1 teams in a World Cup. I think we try our best to compete with those big rugby teams in the world.”

What price another Samoan upset on the World Cup stage to send their beloved Lima – also known as ‘The Chiropractor’ for his trademark bone crunching tackles – into retirement with a third quarterfinal appearance to savour?

World Cup - Record fifth World Cup for Lima




Brian Lima is set to become the first player to compete in five World Cups after being named in Michael Joness Samoa squad for the 2007 tournament in France.


Jones (pictured) named his 30-man World Cup squad on Thursday with Bristol veteran Lima one of the players who will be contesting the wing and centre places.

Lima was the youngest player to compete in a World Cup when he played in the 1991 tournament in Europe.

He was 10 days shy of his 20th birthday when he was included in the Samoa team that famously downed Wales 16-13 in Cardiff in their group clash.

The 64-times capped Lima is the only player to have scored in four World Cups and will now have the chance to make it five.

"I have been waiting for the news to see if I will get selected into the World Cup squad," said Lima, nicknamed the Chiropractor due to the bone-crunching nature of his tackles.


"I'm happy to be the first player to record five World Cups. This is a great achievement not just for me, but for all of Samoa and for all young players dreaming of becoming a Manu Samoa player."

Samoa have been drawn in Pool A at the World Cup alongside champions England, South Africa, USA and Tonga, and Jones is confident they have a chance of making the quarter-finals despite the challenging draw.

To do so, they will need to finish first or second in their group which will likely require a victory over either England or South Africa.

"We have picked the squad on form and it's also a team we have been shaping for the last four years," Jones said.

"It's very important to pick players we believe can play our game plan. We have a big dream, and we have set our aspirations very high.

"The first step is to make the quarters. I believe we can get there, but we definitely want to take it another step and make the semis, and then to the finals, but it's a big dream.

"I believe we can make it."

Samoa open their World Cup account against the Springboks in Paris on September 9.

Samoa squad:

Forwards: Census Johnston (Saracens), Justin Va'a (Glasgow), Kasiano Lealamajua (Dax,), Donald Kerslake (Vaiala, Samoa), Mahonri Schwalger (Hurricanes), Muliufi Salanoa (Scopa), Silao Vaisolasefo (Alhambra, NZ), Filipo Levi (Ricoh, Japan), Kane Thompson (Wests, NZ), Iosefa Fekori (Auckland), Daniel Leo (Wasps), Henry Tuilagi (UK), Siu Lafaialii (Yokogawa, Japan), Semo Setiti (Docomo, Japan), Ulia Ulia (Marist, Samoa), Justin Purdie (Wellington).

Backs: Steven So'oialo (Harlequins), Junior Poluleuligaga (North Harbour), Loki Crichton (Worcester), Lolo Lui (Moataa, Samoa), Seilala Mapusua (London Irish), Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono (Bath), Jerry Meafou (Scopa, Samoa), Elvis Sevealii (Sale), Anitelea Tuilagi (Leeds Carnegie), Brian Lima (Bristol), David Lemi (Bristol), Lome Fa'atau (Glasgow), Alesana Tuilagi (Leicester), Gavin Williams (Ponsonby, NZ).Brian Lima is set to become the first player to compete in five World Cups after being named in Michael Joness Samoa squad for the 2007 tournament in France.

Manu Samoa World Cup 2007 Squad

Forwards: Census Johnston (Saracens), Justin Va'a (Glasgow), Kasiano Lealamajua (Dax,), Donald Kerslake (Vaiala, Samoa), Mahonri Schwalger (Hurricanes), Muliufi Salanoa (Scopa), Silao Vaisolasefo (Alhambra, NZ), Filipo Levi (Ricoh, Japan), Kane Thompson (Wests, NZ), Iosefa Fekori (Auckland), Daniel Leo (Wasps), Henry Tuilagi (UK), Siu Lafaialii (Yokogawa, Japan), Semo Setiti (Docomo, Japan), Ulia Ulia (Marist, Samoa), Justin Purdie (Wellington).

Backs: Steven So'oialo (Harlequins), Junior Poluleuligaga (North Harbour), Loki Crichton (Worcester), Lolo Lui (Moataa, Samoa), Seilala Mapusua (London Irish), Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono (Bath), Jerry Meafou (Scopa, Samoa), Elvis Sevealii (Sale), Anitelea Tuilagi (Leeds Carnegie), Samoa squad:

Tuesday, 10 July 2007

Dream debut for Western Samoa


This article was taken from http://www.rugbyworldcup.com
It was an article that describes the whole situation of Samoa during the 1991 Rugby World Cup.


With less than 70 days to go to the start of Rugby World Cup 2007, we relive the memories of the 1991 tournament, one that heralded the first real upset and a case of what might have been.

Wales had finished third in the inaugural Rugby World Cup and hopes were high of bettering that performance in 1991, not least because they would play their Pool 3 matches on home soil at Cardiff Arms Park.

The quarterfinals was the minimum expected by players and the nation as a whole from a Pool that included Australia – the team Wales had beaten 22-21 in the third place playoff in 1987 – as well as Argentina and World Cup debutants Western Samoa.

Wales opened their campaign against Western Samoa, a nation few people knew much about and one the home side were therefore expected to beat comfortably on Sunday 6 October as captain Ieuan Evans recalled with Total Rugby.

“Well to be honest, the expectation was to beat Western Samoa. That was the expectation. We’d gone through a period of upheaval as we tend to do in Wales prior to World Cups, sack the coach, change everything,” admitted Evans.

“I was made captain a matter of weeks before the tournament and so there’d been a lot of upheaval in our preparation and I think it showed a little bit in the start of the World Cup, but nevertheless it was a game we felt we should have won.”

Evans and the Welsh nation may have expected victory, but the Pacific Islanders clearly hadn’t read the script and enjoyed a dream debut, their fast running and tough tackling display simply too much for Wales to handle.

Rising to the challenge

To’o Vaega’s try may have been controversial in that it appeared Wales scrum half Robert Jones had touched the ball first, but there was no doubt about their other five-pointer from flanker Sila Vaifale as Western Samoa ran out deserved 16-13 winners.

“It was very physical, very aggressive, very confrontational, that’s what they wanted and the game really broke up which suited them as well. It was greasy under foot, there were a lot of hits going in,” recalled Evans, a try scorer in the defeat.

“I don’t think physically we were up for the challenge.”

Western Samoa certainly had been with the likes of Pat Lam, Apollo Perelini, Brian Lima, Frank Bunce and captain Peter Fatialofa in their ranks, much to the delight of the 15,000 people who watched the match live at the stadium in the capital Apia at 1am.

More significantly though, Western Samoa had become the first team to beat a major rugby playing nation and the consequences of the result – which they followed with a 9-3 loss to Australia and 35-12 defeat of Argentina – were huge for Pacific Islands rugby.

“As a past player you always get asked what is your highlight and to this day it’s still that day because of what it did for Samoan rugby, Pacific Island rugby,” admitted Pat Lam, the Western Samoa number 8 on that famous day.

Luck of the Irish?

“We got a full invitation to play the All Blacks, the Wallabies, all the Home Unions up here in the northern hemisphere, so it really opened the way for Pacific Island rugby and it really instilled a huge amount of pride in the game and a lot of interest in the game.”

Wales never recovered from the loss, crashing out in the Pool stages as Australia and Western Samoa reached the quarterfinals, where the Islanders dream would ultimately come to an end with a 28-6 defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield.

“We felt we let our nation down,” admitted Evans. “Western Samoa played very well and we ended up being the butt of all jokes. It was really pretty depressing and pretty distraught at the back end of it.”

However if the Welsh team felt they had let down their nation, the same could not be said of their Irish counterparts as they came within a hairs breath of causing an upset of their own against Australia in the quarterfinal at Lansdowne Road.

Roared on by the passionate home crowd in Dublin, Ireland looked to have scored the winning try through Gordon Hamilton in the 75th minute, the flanker collecting a pass 40 metres out, evaded one tackle and then had the pace to touch down.

Nice while it lasted

Hamilton was mobbed on the pitch by fans as emotions ran riot, Ralph Keyes subsequent conversion giving Ireland a slender 18-15 lead and leave them within touching distance of a first ever semi final appearance.

“Jim Staples kicked it through and Jack Clarke trickled in behind Campo and he fiddled about with it a bit and Jack Clarke picked it up and it was just straight line, run onto the ball at pace and couldn’t believe my luck really!” remembered Hamilton.

“As a kid growing up you watch famous tries being scored. The nicest thing in those days when crowd control wasn’t what it is now, the crowd came onto the pitch and it when they came on and threw their arms around me that it was when it dawned on me that this was something quote important … for the time that it lasted!”

Campese may have suffered a lapse in concentration to allow Ireland to score in the corner, but he atoned for that minutes later when he ran into midfield and although held in the tackle, managed to pass to Michael Lynagh for the try that broke Irish hearts.

“As he [Lynagh] scored, I thought he hadn’t scored the try because in Lansdowne Road there was just eerie silence,” recalled Australia centre Tim Horan, who would be named Player of the Tournament in the 1999 tournament.

Thank heavens for Lynagh

“It was probably the first and only time I have ever heard an Australian team score a try and the only people you could hear were the commentators in the grandstand commentating on the match, because the whole ground was just deathly quiet.”

Lynagh had assumed the captaincy when his halfback partner Nick Farr-Jones went off injured in the first half, perhaps fortunately for Australia or they may not have beaten Ireland and gone on to success New Zealand as world champions.

“Had I been out there at the time and they scored that try, I would have read the riot act to the guys, I would have probably kicked short to secure the possession,” revealed Farr-Jones, who recovered to play in both the semi final and final.

“When that scrum came, I am pretty sure I would have said to Michael, get in the slot mate, we’re going for a drop goal, let’s try and even this game up, take it into extra time. Michael did it all differently!

“It was process thinking rather than scoreboard thinking and as I said, thank God he was out there!”

Manu Samoa Sevens squad for Pacific Games


The Fijians are still mourning the loss of their player/coach,the King of Sevens, Waisale Serevi following his resignation. Also the loss of the main players like William Ryder (Contract to Japan), Etonia Naba, Lepani Nabuliwaqa (Suspension).While arch rivals in IRB Circut, Samoa mean business for the South Pacific Games when they announce there training squad for the games. A lot of promising games that appeared in the squad. The normal line-up of Simaika Mikaele, Apelu Faaiuga, Uale Mai, Mikaele Pesamino, Morgan Salesa, Alatasi Tupou, Timoteo Iosua are included in the team. Also in return to the squad are former Samoan sevens representative like Roger Warren and Alapasa Cordtz. Overall the Samoan squad consist of Samoa's best to represent the host for the Pacific Games.

Fiji is the defending gold medalist of the Pacific Games. Samoa managed to win a brownze in the last games which hoisted by Fiji. The Samoan where upset by minnows Cook Islands in the semi final.

Samoa and Fiji was one of the most consistent teams in the 2006/2007 IRB Sevens Circut. The Samoans win in Welligton, Hong Kong while the Fijians managed to take LA and Adelaide tournaments. Both Samoa and Fiji reach London and Scotland finals but fail to win against New Zealand who later clinch the title away from heavy favourites Fiji.

Samoa Sevens Squad for South Pacific Games 2007
Apelu Faaiuga
Simaika Mikaele
Meki Purcell
Falealili Afamasaga
Ruepena Vaeagi
Uale Mai
Roger Warren
Fanuafou Tofi
Sitiveni Siaosi
Siaosi Akerei
Lagolasi Fonoti
Tom Iosefo
Alatasi Tupou
Emile Morgan Salesa
Mikaele Pesamino
Tupu Ulufale
Mussolini Faalupega
Maselino Paulino
Afa Aiono
Mike Gabriel
Pale Toelupe
John Lemisio
Taupo Sefo
Timoteo Iosua
Alafoti Faosiliva
Tauvaga Faafou
Alapasa Cortz

This squad will be training in Samoa and in few weeks time the squad will be cut down to the final 12 that will represent Samoa in Pacific Games.

Sunday, 8 July 2007

England need to climb a Rugby World Cup mountain - and then Samoa

Many pundits have proclaimed that Pool D is the pool of death at this years Rugby World Cup, but England's group - Pool A - poses it's own dangers for Brian Ashton's men.

With South Africa coming into a run of form, and if the results from England's summer tour are anything to go by, the Springboks will be very difficult to beat. If England do not front up up front, they could get steamrollered by South Africa's physical style of play. If England lose this key game, they will be looking to qualify in second place. But the Samoans, who Ashton's men face after the Springboks, might have something to say about that.

Manu Samoa gave England a scare in 2003 in the group match in Melbourne. They put the pressure on Jonny Wilkinson with some big tackles, denying him any room whatsoever, and looked as if they might cause a huge upset. They will be looking to do the same this time around in England's penultimate group game.

Alesana Tuilagi and Brian 'The Chiropractor' Lima have the potential to run around or through English lightweights such as David Strettle or Mathew Tait, and may employ bullying tactics to nullify England's attacking threat. To survive, Ashton must select his team wisely.

For this fixture, the England coach should consider players like Mike Tindall (if fit) and Josh Lewsey, who have the size and experience to cope with such strong runners. In the forwards, England should have the edge, and will look to starve Samoa of possession, but out wide they will need to withstand the direct running.

Even if England do go through to the quarter-finals, Samoa could still inflict some damage in the way of injuries. This would be a real concern given England's lack of strength and experience in depth. If Jonny, Jason Robinson and Tom Rees are injured, they will have no chance against the top teams. Again, selection will be important, and Ashton should be mindful of this fixture when he considers his 30-man squad.

The fact that Samoa play South Africa before they play England may be a good thing from the defending champions' point of view. Both of these teams play a highly confrontational style of rugby, so by the time England meets them, they will be bruised and battered and somewhat weakened.

There is a chance that the World Cup holders will go out in the first round, and Brian Ashton must mitigate this risk by carefully selecting his team for each game. After all, it's a marathon not a sprint.

Wednesday, 4 July 2007

Manu Samoa vs. Wales (1991 RWC Preview)



Here are the highlights from the Manu Samoa vs. Wales back in 1991. Our boys in blue put up the biggest upset in history by beating Wales 16-13.

Great display of rugby from Samoa

Manu Samoa vs. Australia (1991 RWC Preview)



The winning Wallabies players of the 1991 Rugby World Cup talks about the might of the Manu Samoa. The game was played in poor conditions and both teams failed to cross the try line.

Michael Lynah's boot proves to be the difference as he converted 3 penalties with Samoa's points game from the boot of Mathew Vaea.

End of the game Australia wins 9 - 3. The closest margin ever from both countries.

Great Flash back for Samoan rugby.

Go Manu Go Manu

1991 Rugby World Cup Preview




Former Manu Samoa legend, Pat Lam talks about the sucess of the Manu Samoa in the 1991 Rugby World Cup.

The best ever performance from a Manu Samoa team. I don't believe there will any team from Samoa who can repeat that performance shown by the boys in blue.

Great Stuffs and Hope this video can motivate our current Manu Samoa to do well in the games.

Tuesday, 3 July 2007

ON HOME STRAIGHT TO FRANCE





World Cup bound Pacific rugby nations Samoa, Fiji and Tonga, are now heading down the home straight in their preparations for France with the two IRB tournaments, the Pacific Rugby Cup and Pacific Six Nations now completed.


But while the game’s elite nations put the final touches on their respective build-ups which started after the last World Cup in 2003, the islands nations have struggled for any continuity over the past four years. The players from the rich top tier nations have begged for a rest from their jam-packed test schedules, forcing the issue for the All Blacks when their coach Graham Henry introduced a reconditioning programme for his top players at the end of last year. But had the shoe been on the other foot, it is unlikely the rugby starved Pacific nations would be complaining.


So without that precious exposure to top level rugby during that four year gap between World Cups, it’s not surprising there is not a great deal of optimism, at least not in Samoa and Tonga. How the Pacific nations are preparing is something to behold.


Fiji is heading into the Cup with a glimmer of hope of making the top eight for the first time since 1987, given that they have avoided the pool of death which contains Samoa and Tonga.


Samoa and Tonga have set their own objectives for France but neither are raising their hopes of a quarterfinal appearance with South Africa and England blocking their path. They have their eyes four years on at the next World Cup in 2011.


“I don’t know if we are going to be able to sneak up as we did on England and South Africa this year,” Manu Samoa coach, Michael Jones, told IRB’s Total Media, referring to the epic match against England in 2003 when the Samoans almost caused an upset over the eventual world champions.


“We will keep a pretty low profile, but I think they will be wary of us given what we were able to do in 2003. So I think it is not going to be as straightforward, there will be a lot more readiness put in place by the teams who face us, in particular the South Africans and the English.”


However, Jones is not ruling out a changing of the guard further down the track.


“We might not see the fruits of our new academy programme, until 2011 so we are really relying still on what we can churn out with what we have.”


Tonga also has the long-term in mind, but their preparations have been affected by divisions within the TRFU board in recent months and the abrupt resignations of their two IRB appointed ex-pat Australians, coach Adam Leach and high performance manager Andrew Stainlay, within the space of a year.


Ellis Meachen, Tonga’s assistant national coach and high performance director, is adamant though that Tonga’s World Cup campaign is still on track. He is more upset that the IRB decided to place Tonga in the same pool with Samoa, England and South Africa when their repechage qualifying spot was supposed to be seeded in Pool C with New Zealand and Scotland.


“I can’t understand why they would have two teams from Oceania in the same pool. We were supposed to be New Zealand’s pool but that was changed,” Meachen told ISLANDS BUSINESS. But the IRB has wisely dangled another carrot for teams to perform to their optimum come September 7 when the World Cup kicks off. The world body announced in May a change to the qualifying process as of 2011. The top 12 teams from this year’s tournament will automatically qualify for 2011, while the rest will have to qualify through a newly proposed World Trophy qualifying tournament, held at a single venue a year before the World Cup.


This means, for Samoa and Tonga, third place (behind England and South Africa) suddenly becomes vital as the top three teams from each of the four pools will qualify for 2011. Motivation aplenty.


ALARM BELLS RING IN FIJI


The Fiji Rugby Union’s optimism belies the bad start to the year they had. Kiwi coach Wayne Pivac’s decision to resign in January wasted three-and-a-half years of preparations. The move seemingly handing a poisoned chalice to his successor, Ilivasi Tabua, the former Wallaby and Fijian international.


Fiji was then left licking its wounds after its two teams, the Fiji Warriors and Fiji Barbarians, failed to make this year’s Pacific Rugby Cup final which was won by Upolu Samoa.


To rub more salt into the wound, alarm bells were ringing after a disappointing Pacific Nations campaign which saw the FMF Flying Fijians lose to both Samoa and Tonga.


Little wonder then that monetary incentives have been dangled in the hope it will reignite the fire within the players to perform well.


The FRU announced it would budget F$2 million (NZ$1.7 million) for the FMF Flying Fijians’ World Cup campaign, including a F$400,000 injection by the military government.


This dwarfs the budgets of their Pacific neighbours. But that’s not all. Major sponsor Flour Mills of Fiji (FMF) has offered bonuses for the players of up to F$500,000, the actual amount depending on how far the Flying Fijians advance in the tournament where they have the easier route to the elusive quarterfinals than their Pacific neighbours. Two-time champions Australia should top Pool B to seal one berth. But Fiji would fancy their chances of upsetting Wales, the other big team in their pool.


Just ask the Samoans, who have done it twice before at the World Cup, in 1991 and again in 1999. Fiji are well capable of beating Canada and Japan in France. So all indicators point towards the anticipated clash against Wales in Nantes on September 29 as the most important game of the year for the Fijians.


The scenario is similar to the game against Scotland at the 2003 World Cup in Australia when despite two magnificent tries by Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Fiji ruined a golden opportunity to advance to the quarterfinals.


The Flying Fijians have planned two warm-up games in France in August prior to the World Cup. It is likely Fiji will meet French clubs Toulouse and Agen. Fiji plays Japan in Toulouse on September 12 in their first match of the tournament before facing the mighty Australians in Montpellier on September 23.


SAMOA RIDES WAVE


Samoa has experienced unprecedented highs over the past 12 months. The country is riding a wave of confidence following the success of their national sevens team in Wellington and Hong Kong and winning the Pacific Rugby Cup. The introduction of the IRB-funded high performance unit has made its mark, and the performances this year of Samoan teams have been proof. Off the field, the sacking of the union’s CEO, Tuilagi Saipele Esera at the start of the year saw a major shakeup in the game’s administration.


The decision by Samoa’s main commercial backers Fay Richwhite to return ownership of the Manu Samoa team to the Samoa Rugby Union in March has also restored public support.


Samoa’s high performance manager Peter Horne says the current mood in Samoa has changed. “The public confidence has risen and support for Samoan rugby is very high at the moment. The success of the local players has been the real story though and they have improved out of sight because of the high performance programmes, technical support and facilities they have now which they didn’t have before,” he told ISLANDS BUSINESS.


Horne says the policy for selection has now changed from chasing the big names to picking only those players “who want to play for Samoa”. Overseas-based players had to pay their own way back to Apia to attend the national trials.


According to Horne, the Samoa Rugby Union has budgeted S$1.8 million (NZ$900,000) for Manu Samoa’s Cup campaign. Samoa will assemble in August for two warmup games against Northampton and Sale in England, before heading for France. Samoa plays South Africa in its opening clash at the World Cup in Paris on September 9. And after pushing them hard in a friendly match in Johannesburg in June, Samoa will be confident.


Jones says nothing is impossible. “We’ve always had potential as a nation and as a people, so we know that if we can get it right on our day anything can happen and we are firm believers in the David and Goliath analogy. We believe that we can slay a giant on our day.”Manu Samoa has not made the knockout stage of the World Cup since 1991 and 1995. They have one player remaining from that era, the legendary Brian Lima, who will call it quits after this year’s World Cup, but not before becoming the first player to play in five World Cups.


TONGA DEFIANT


Tonga has traditionally lagged behind Samoa and Fiji, not just on the field, but off it too. They’re confident that with the their best players available, they can match it with anybody. But they’re putting on a brave face given their recent track record. Because of Adam Leach’s sudden resignation, former Ikale Tahi international, Quddus Fielea, has been fast-tracked into the top job earlier than planned after being mentored over the past year.


Coaching director Ellis Meachen claims that off field incidents have not hampered Tonga’s World Cup preparations pointing to the performance of Tonga’s teams in the Pacific Rugby Cup and the strength of the domestic competition, namely the Datec Cup. But coaching standards has seen the biggest improvement.


“The investment by the IRB has made an impact and I think the biggest improvement has been with the development of local coaches and having a facility such as the high performance centre in Havelu has been invaluable in preparing and training elite players,” explains Meachen.


While consigned to being in the pool of death, Meachen says the Ikale Tahi can spring a surprise on Samoa when the two teams meet in Montpellier on September 16 in what should be a game deciding the third qualifying spot for 2011.


With the majority of their players based in France, the Tongans could call on their local knowledge to thwart the Samoans.


“We have a good draw. We get to play the USA first before our game against Samoa, but the Samoans are playing the toughest team in the pool (South Africa) first, so that might take a lot out of them before they play us,” he explains.The cash-strapped Tonga rugby union was unable to secure any mid-year fixtures as Samoa and Fiji managed to do, but they will name a 50-man squad for its pre-World Cup camp in mid-August. Meachen says warmup games are being organised.


Tonga is depending mostly on its IRB grant amounting to T$619,000 (NZ$413,000) to get the Ikale Tahi to France. The catch though is the TRFU has to front up with just over half of that amount through its own sponsorship. That amount would be reimbursed back to them after the World Cup.


Manu Samoa vs. Harlequins


The Manu Samoa will play a warm-up game against Harlequins on Friday 17th August at Twickeham Stoop before heading to Rugby Wordl Cup in France. It was reported in http://www.quins.co.uk/ website that our very own Manu Samoa will be playing with the club in preparation for the RWC.


It will be a great move by Samoa Rugby Union to make sure our teams still have some game to chase for there match fitness.


However, the quality of the teams will be the big question. We will play Harlequins and few weeks later we will place 2nd Rank in the World, Springboks. This will be another different ball game and I feel for Manu Samoa. If they play club teams then how can we know our team is up to the standard of beating this tier one rugby nations. If someone tell me that is very impossible for Manu Samoa to beat the South Africans I will obviously agree with it. It is our pride that make us say we can do it. If reality it is a big ask for the boys in blue.


My only concern is our boys to put up a better perfromance then what we have in 2003. We have to make sure we beat England this time or else we will be flying home as soon as possible.


I believe if our sevens boys can do it our Manu Samoa can do it as well. It just need the right combination to deal with it. All the best for Manu Samoa preparations for the rugby world cup.


Cheers,

Saturday, 30 June 2007

Where are we from the RWC?


Last night we watch the Wallabies fought from behind and beat world number one team All Blacks, 20 – 15. It was one of the best games of rugby I have ever seen. In the past two weeks the South Africans beat Wallabies and in a close match. The All Blacks managed to break the defense of the Springboks and claim victory in South Africa last week. Now we have been watching some great footballs and great display of the oval ball. That was the Tri-Nations in its best! This teams like the All Blacks, Springboks and the Wallabies just started there tournaments.

The big question is; where is our Manu Samoa, Flying Fijian and Ikale Tahi now? Last week we witnessed a great display of rugby from Samoa and Fiji but Tonga was two weeks ago. However, we have 70 more days then Samoa will play South Africa, but 3 days on then Tonga will play USA and Fiji will play against Japan. Are we going to play any more games from now on?

I know the answer will be a big “NO”! According to sources we the Pacific Islanders will play against top rugby club teams in France weeks before the tournament. Will the All Blacks, Wallabies and Springboks play top French club teams before the Rugby World Cup? No I don’t think so, that is why rugby will never beat Soccer. The oval game will never be globalizing if we continue to play the same practice.

The only thing I can recommend is teams like our Island teams can make a move and get to have another Triangular Series for us before we reach the RWC. We need to play professional 80 minutes from now on to prepare our teams. If we only play club teams then we will never ever match the like of All Blacks, Wallabies and Springboks.

I only hope we see our Island teams perform well in the RWC and one team from our region make it to the quarterfinals. If we all have a early exit then we should have a Tier One and Tier Two Rugby World Cup. We should have two world cups because I believe Samoa, Tonga and Fiji only come close but not close enough.

Come on Flying Fijians, Ikale Tahi and Manu Samoa. Let’s all go and make a change in this coming Rugby World Cup. You all need to believe in yourselves and have confidence you guys can do it.

Good Luck to our Island boys

Tuesday, 26 June 2007

World Cup is the Focus

SAMOA

2007 Pool: A (England, South Africa, USA, Tonga)

World Ranking: 10

Key players: Alesani Tuilagi, Cencus Johnston

A proud rugby nation whose players seem genetically designed for the physical challenges of the sport.

Samoa are always a threat due to their powerful running and uncompromising defence. Few teams enjoy facing Samoa as they always leave the field bumped and bruised and knowing they have been in a difficult game.

Announced themselves to the rugby world at the 1991 RWC when they reached the quarter-finals before going down to Scotland at Murrayfield. Wing Brian Lima, known as the 'Chiropractor' due to his bone-crunching tackles, was one of the players of the tournament.

Having also reached the quarter-finals in 1995, Samoa's finest RWC moment arguably came four years later when they defeated hosts Wales 38-31 at the Millennium Stadium for a spot in the quarter-final play-offs.

Then known as Western Samoa, the victory led to one Welsh commentator delivering the immortal line: "If that's what Western Samoa can do to us, thank God we didn't play the whole of Samoa!"

Samoa gave England a huge scare in their pool clash at the 2003 tournament when they led for more than 50 minutes thanks to some breathtaking rugby, probably the finest in their history. England's superior fitness eventually told as they won 35-22, but it was a victory had earned.

Samoa were unable to progress from a tough pool in 2003 that also included South Africa and they have again been drawn with the two powerhouses in 2007.

Because of this they are unlikely to make it to the quarter-finals but both England and South Africa will not take them lightly.

Coached by legendary All Black flanker Michael Jones, Samoa have been looking to develop a more structured game to compliment their renowned running skills.

Prop Cencus Johnston adds stability to their front row, along with his powerhouse running, while Alesani Tuilagi is a wrecking-ball of a wing that can cause problems for any team. Just ask Gloucester, who were on the end of a devastating performance by the Leicester favourite in the English Premiership final.

Also dangerous on the other wing is David Limi, who proved one of the most lethal finishers with Bristol in last season's Premiership.

This summer, Samoa were beaten 35-8 away to South Africa and finished third in the Pacific Nations Cup with three wins from five games.

Rugby World Cup Record

2003: Pool stage

1999: Quarter-final play-off

1995: Quarter-finals

1991: Quarter-finals

1987: Did not participate

Sunday, 24 June 2007

Legend Lima Bows Out


His story began seventeen years ago.
Su’a Peter Schuster and Manu Samoa selectors were scouting schools, looking at potential wingers for the Rugby World Cup in 1991.
One day, they were at St Joseph’s College, Alafua.
“We saw this young, fast and strong player,” Su’a recalled. “We were very impressed with his speed, especially his attitude.”
That same year, Manu Samoa great Lilomaiava Taufusi Salesa, coach of the Sevens team then, was looking for players for the Hong Kong Sevens, during the Marist International Sevens tournament.
“He was playing in the Marist Saints team,” Lilomaiava said, joking that the Saints was a team of B-grade players.
“If I may put it this way, the Saints wasn’t Marist’s strongest team. Yet this very young and talented player was part of that team.
“I was very impressed with his attitude,” Lilomaiava said.
That young man with blistering speed and the attitude of a champion was Brian Lima.
1990 was when he was discovered at the tender age of 18.

GREAT PLAYER

Seventeen years on, the young man discovered by Su’a and Lilomaiava has grown to become the greatest rugby player of all time in Samoa .
At 35-years-young, Lima, of Letogo, is not only widely respected by all Samoans; his name is right up there with some of the rugby greats worldwide.
No matter where you go in rugby circles, the name Brian Lima demands respect.
For good reason. At the 1991 Rugby World Cup where Samoa recorded that famous win over Wales, Lima was the youngest player in the tournament.
Over the years, he has earned the utmost respect of players all over the world.
After all, they don’t call him the “The Chiropractor” for no reason. Lima’s shuddering hits on defence can rearrange the bones of players at the receiving end.
His most famous hit was perhaps the one where he lined up Springboks five eighth Derrick Hougaard during the Rugby World Cup in 2003. Hougaard stayed on the ground for a while, dazed.
“That was a car accident,” one commentator said.
Many players have felt Lima’s wrath. Christian Cullen would remember his debut for the All Blacks against Manu Samoa some years ago. And who can forget the sight of Fijian fullback Norman Ligairi limping off with a bloody nose after he was ransacked by Lima at Apia Park a few years ago?
During Jonah Lomu’s prime, while most players were running scared to tackle the rampaging All Black, Lima was one of the first players to tackle him one-on-one in a test match, and brought him to the ground.

SUPER RUGBY

But Lima’s qualities stretched far beyond the 15s arena. He has represented Samoa many times at Sevens level.
And he has played rugby all over the world starting with Super rugby in New Zealand, then Europe, Japan and this year for Bristol.
He is one of relatively few players in rugby history to have appeared in four Rugby World Cups. In September, he will make history by becoming the only player to make his fifth appearance at the World Cup in France.
But perhaps one of Lima’s qualities we will remember for generations to come is his commitment to Samoan rugby. His Samoan heart is unquestionable.
While many players of his calibre were lured to play for the All Blacks, Lima remained loyal to Samoa. He has been a role model for many young people, guys and girls who have grown to become stars in their own right. Lima has been a superb inspiration.

Last Saturday, the Chiropractor played his last game for Samoa on home soil. It was an emotional farewell for one of Samoa’s most loved sons.
His dedication, unselfish determination to ensure Samoa was competitive on the international front, will not be easily forgotten.
A man who will be remembered for his Samoan heart, as someone who refused to believe in the impossible, an inspiration to his family, friends and our people, is bowing out of international rugby.
“It’s been a real honour and a privilege to have Brian in the Manu Samoa team,” coach La’auli Michael Jones said yesterday.
“Brian has been a wonderful asset, he’s such a consummate professional, a real icon of Samoan rugby. He will be missed.”
Indeed, Samoa will miss Brian Lima!

Saturday, 23 June 2007

Samoa demolish Tonga in style!

Manu Samoa finished its Pacific Nations Cup campaign with a flourish with a 50-3 victory over Tonga in Apia on Sunday. The victory means that the Samoan’s finish third in the final standings, behind champions the Junior All Blacks and Australia A.

Utilising a wealth of possession and the emotion of wing Brian Lima's final appearance at his home ground in his 62 Test match, the home team made up for the disappointments of earlier matches in the competition.

Samoa's pack proved devastating in the set piece with locks Filipo Levi and Kane Thompson, dominated the lineouts. Prop Census Johnston was also outstanding and was rewarded with two tries, the first of the game in the Samoa's bonus points scoring effort in the first half, and a fine supporting try in the second.

Generally, through the first two-thirds of the game, it was the control of fly half Loki Crichton that created the platform for Samoan dominance. His stylish break created the try of the game for wing David Lemi.

Crichton’s pass found Lemi who spun around to sneak along the sideline as he regained his balance before out-pacing the defence for his try in the 27th minute. It was a classy moment.

Lemi had more of a chance to show his solo skills when storming through on a midfield burst that opened up the Tongan defence on a 40m run to score his second try and bring up the Samoan half-century, six minutes from ful ltime.
Flanker Ulia Ulia and hooker Mahonri Schwalger completed the try scoring in the first half as Samoa moved out to a 29-3 lead.

The lack of Tongan expertise on attack was exemplified in the last stages of the first half when the side laid siege to the Samoan line, without being able to find any way through some solid defence.

Manu Samoa 50
Tries: Johnston 2, Lemi 2, Ulia, Schwalger, Tuilaga
Con: Crichton 4, Lui 2
Pen: Crichton
Tonga 3
Pen: Hola
HT: 29-3

Friday, 22 June 2007

manusamoablog. one-on-one with Junior Pelesasa

manusamoablog.com yesterday had one-on-one with Australia A, Samoa center Junior Palesasa. We met up with Junior while he is in Fiji with his Australia A team to play against the might of the Flying Fijians. manusamoablog.com believes that he is a great player and probably the first Samoan to be in the Wallabies.

manusamoablog.com says;

G-day Junior, welcome to Fiji. What happen to you guys last weeks against Junior All Blacks (JABS)?

JP say;

Hello mate well I am so impressed that there are lot Samoans here….I saw you today wearing your Manu Samoa outfit and I knew it from there, probably heaps are here….Anyways thanks for coming Bro……Last week was not good aye…I don’t know what happen to the boys…just not our day

manusamoablog.com says;

I bet it must be the weather down at Christchurch that affected you guys?

JP say;

Exactly, I believe that’s the reason why our boys didn’t perform, they don’t like the weather down there….we missed a lot of tackles and our set pieces we awesome. Well that’s rugby aye…missed tackles then you will be punished.

manusamoablog.com says;

What do you think of the Wallabies last Week against South Africa?

JP say;

I think they play well aye mate…great game last week…just those drop goals that kill the game….But overall Wallabies had a great game…probably the best performance so far.

manusamoablog.com says;

True it was those two drop goals that make the difference. I believe Wallabies should win that game.

What do you think of the game tomorrow with Flying Fijians?

JP say;

Fijian team is good. They have some really fast players out there and the return of the overseas players will make them a stronger team then the one’s who played against Wallabies. Also Fiji are very physical players and the Fijians will come with everything.

manusamoablog.com says;

That’s all from me here because I know you guys are having dinner now. Will see you guys tomorrow and All the best with game!

JP say;

Thanks for coming aye Bro…will see you tomorrow at the Park…Here are the tickets for you and your Mrs., so you can come watch tomorrow…..

Cheers, FA.

That’s all from us here and it was great to have a chat with this guy. He is one great player. Will update this with pictures from the game today.

Australia A vs. Fiji today at 3.00pm at Fiji National Stadium

Manu Samoa vs. Tonga Preview

Manu Samoa coach Michael Jones rings changes to his squad against Tonga tomorrow in Samoa. Ulia Ulia, Brian Lima and Lolo Lui are the new changes with positional changes, Daniel Leo switch to 6 and relegate last weeks captain to the bench, Elvis Savealii to center and Loki Crichton back at number 10. In the tight five there are no changes but still remains to old school boys.

Let’s hope for a good outing from our Manu Samoa against Tonga tomorrow. From myself, wish Manu Samoa the best of luck.

1. Justin Vaa, 2. Mahonri Schwalger, 3. Census Johnston, 4. Filipo Levi ,
5. Kane Thompson, 6. Daniel Leo, 7. Ulia Ulia, 8. Semo Sititi (C ),
9. Steve Sooialo10. Loki Crichton, 11. David Lemi, 12. Seilala Maposua, 13. Elvis Sevealii, 14. Brian Lima (VC), 15. Lolo Lui
Reserves:16. Donald Kerslake, 17. Muliufi Salanoa, 18. Leo Lafaialii19. Justin Purdie, 20. Junior Polu, 21. Alesana Tuilagi, 22. Lome Faatau Management:Coach: Laauli Michael JonesAssistant Coach (Backs) Solomona SuaAssistant Coach (Forward) Papaliitele Peter FatialofaManager: Leota Kenape TuuauPhysiotherapist: Megan LupeDoctor: Dr Ben MatalaveaTrainer: Phillip Riddington

Wednesday, 20 June 2007

Will Samoa make it to the Quarters this year?


The Manu Samoa has 79 more days to prepare for its opening fixture against the mighty Springboks. The last time this two teams met was two weeks ago when Manu Samoa was beaten by a Springboks “B” team by 35 – 8 at Ellis Park. The next game will be in the Rugby World Cup in Paris where I believe Jake White will come with his “A” team to play against the brave Samoans.

The Manu Samoa was known very well in the history of the Rugby World Cup (RWC) when it first enters n 1991 RWC in England. This is when Samoa upset Wales (16-13), scares the champions Australia (9-3) and beat Argentina (28 -12) in there last pool game.
For the history the Manu Samoa reach to the Rugby World Cup Quarterfinals for the first time. That same feat happens in the Rugby World Cup in 1995 but it was a different story for the 1999 and 2003.
Can we repeat this?

However, that is history and the big question now whether Michael Jones can take Manu Samoa to the quarter finals next year. So far I believe the Manu Samoa can beat England if they really try to avoid silly mistakes like what Seilala Mapusua was doing against Juniors. The team I believe is in a very good shape for this year in France.

Expectations from the Samoan community is really high this time since we witnessed Springboks demolished England and the Samoan chances are high. Lets no count our chicks now but wait for the games to begin and see how our boys will perform.

Samoa will play South Africa on the 09th September in Paris, followed by Tonga on the 16th September, decider with England on the 22nd September and there last pool game against USA on the 26th September. The question is: Will Samoa live the Rugby World Cup after playing USA? Will the Manu Samoa play against the Wallabies in the quarters? All in the all we have to wait for the result against Samoa and Tonga this weekend.

Good luck for the Manu Samoa.

Monday, 18 June 2007

Rotational of players is the best policy for future of Rugby



The Manu Samoa Coaching panel have been using most of its same front rowers over and over again. I believe that our Manu Samoa can adopt the rotational of players that the All Blacks had been using all this time. We have seena great improvements from the All Blacks and it really provides competition for the boys.

I know the feeling of being a substitute in all the games. The only thing will happen is discouraging the players.

As for the case of our Manu Samoa, players like Donald Kerslake and most of the local boys should be involved in most of the game or being first choice players.

We have witness in the begining how we have a lot of locals in the game against Fiji, then came the Juniors All Blacks then we opt for our overseas players.

It was obvious in our midfield when Seilala Mapusua was team up with Anitelea Tuilagi. If I was the coach I will use Brian Lima to pair up with Andy while let Maposua to join in the second half.

However, I strongly believe that the best policy for the future of Samoan rugby is rotating of players.

We need to rotate our players so others can perform and have a recovery. Like what we always say in our Samoan language, "...pule a Siafune i le la o lona Vaa..." Lets hope for the best from our team. I know our team is one of the best ever Manu Samoa available so far. We need to make sure we know how to run this quality players available for us.

May our team performs well and may the best team wins between Samoa and Tonga

Manu Samoa Team for Tonga



This will be my line up for the game against Tonga. Players like Lolo Lu and all Manu Samoa Sevens team should be in the run on team.

1. Census Johnston
2. Mahonri Schwalger
3. Justin Vaa
4. Filipo Levi
5. Kane Thompson
6. Semo Sititi
7. Ulia Ulia
8. Alfie Toala
9.Stephen So'oialo
10. Joshua Keil
11. Alesana Tuilagi
12. Brian Lima (C)
13. Anitelea Tuilagi
14. David Lemi
15. Gavin Williams

Reserves
16. Tamato Leupolu
17. Donald Kerslake
18. Leo Lafaialii
19. Alapasa Cordtz
20. Notise Tauafao
21. Loki Crighton
22. Lolo Lui

So far so good!

The Pacific Nations Cup has come close to the end and Junior All Blacks has won the tournament with one more round to go. However, in comparsion of the Manu Samoa 2007 to the Manu Samoa 2006, we have some chances of qualifying for the Rugby World Cup Quarterfinals in France. I always believe in the ability of the boys in blue and it was shown that they still can fight with big guns.

Some might argue that the South Africa team that plays Samoa was a "B" team. I respect that however, the Manu Samoa has put a very brave play during that game. England was tharshed by the Springboks two in a row but Samoa managed to hold on. All credit to great team work and effort to commit in our team preparations.

I am not counting my chicks now but my pick for Pool A will South Africa and Manu Samoa. When we come close to the tournament Samoa for sure will beat the defending champions.

I hope Samoa can hold on to the game against Tonga or else Tonga will repeat there feat against Fiji over us. Remember Tonga is one of the Pool A members and its going to be a very interestin Rugby World Cup.

Good Luck to all rugby features this week.

Regards

Manu Samoa Extended Squad 2007

Donald Kerslake - Upolu Samoa (Samoa)
Naama Leleimalefaga - Savaii Samoa (Samoa)
Fosi Pala'amo - Leinster (Ireland)
Mahonri Schwalger - Hurricanes, Super 14 (New Zealand)
Tamato Leupolu
Muliufi Salanoa - Upolu Samoa (Samoa)
Joe Tekori - Auckland, Air NZ Cup (New Zealand)
Kane Thompson - Highlanders, Super 14 (New Zealand)
Leo Lafaialii - NEC (Japan)
Filipo Levi - Highlanders, Super 14 (New Zealand)
Justin Purdie - Wellington, Air NZ Cup (New Zealand)
Ulia Ulia - Savaii Samoa (Samoa)
Alapasa Cordtz - Upolu Samoa (Samoa)
Semo Sititi - Docomo (Japan)
Alfie To'oala - Bristol (England)
Stephen So'oialo - NEC Harlequins (England)
Notise Tauafao - Upolu Samoa (Samoa)
Joshua Keil - Upolu Samoa (Samoa)
Loki Crichton - Newcastle Falcons (England)
Brian Lima - Bristol (England) (Squad Captain)
Anitelia Tuilagi - Leicester Tigers (England)
Alesana Tuilagi - Leicester Tigers (England)
Gavin Williams Connacht, Ireland
David Lemi - Bristol (England)
Lome Fa'atau - Hurricanes (New Zealand)
Esera Lauina - Savaii Samoa (Samoa)
Tauvaga Faafou - Savaii Samoa (Samoa)
Paletuatoa Toelupe - Upolu Samoa (Samoa)
Elvis Savea'alii - Sale Sharks (England)

The History

The national rugby union team of Samoa is called Manu Samoa (the name of a famous Samoan chief some 10 generations ago). They perform a traditional Samoan dance called the siva tau before each game. They are members of the Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance (PIRA) along with Fiji and Tonga. They are ranked 11th in the world. They have recently been bankrolled by millionaire Sir Michael Fay, one of New Zealand's wealthiest men.Rugby was introduced to Samoa in the early 1920s and a governing body was soon formed.

The first international was played as Western Samoa against Fiji in August of 1924. Along with Tonga, these nations would meet regularly and eventually contest competitions such as the Pacific Tri-Nations - with Western Samoa winning the first of these. Samoa have been to every Rugby World Cup since the 1991 tournament. That tournament, along with the 1995 competition saw them make the quarter-finals.

Under their new coach, the All Blacks legend Michael Niko Jones (himself of Samoan descent and a Samoan international) they are working hard to create a side that will compete effectively in the 2007 Rugby World Cup where they are grouped with England, South Africa, Tonga and the United States.

The Manu Samoa team play in blue and white uniforms

The Marist Brothers brought the game to Western Samoa in 1920 and The Western Samoa Rugby Football Union was formed in 1924. On August 18, 1924 Western Samoa played its first international against Fiji in the capital Apia, the visitors winning 6-0. The match was played at 7am to allow the Samoans time to get to work afterwards and was played on a pitch with a large tree on the halfway line. The return match was won 9-3 by Samoa to draw the series.

In 1954 Western Samoan visited both Pacific Island neighbours Fiji and Tonga but waited a further 20 years before a tour of New Zealand took place. The Samoans won one of eight matches on that tour.The traditional tri-series between Tonga, Fiji and Western Samoa was established in 1982 with Western Samoa winning the first tournament. Wales visited Western Samoa and won the test 32-16 at Apia. The tour led to a return visit to Wales which brought Western Samoa out of International limbo, although Western Samoa were not invited to the first Rugby World Cup in 1987.The following year a 14-match tour of Europe took place before a World Cup elimination series in Tokyo, which gave Western Samoa a place in the 1991 Rugby World Cup in Britain.

They made a huge impact. After sweeping aside Wales 16-13 in Cardiff and defeating Argentina 35-12, and narrowly losing 3-9 to eventual champions Australia in their pool match, Western Samoa, a country with a population of 160,000, found itself in the quarterfinals against Scotland at Murrayfield. The Scots, however won comfortably, 28-6, but the Samoans were clearly the personality team of the tournament.Over the next two years the side had a number of notable wins. The most outstanding achievement were in Sevens where it won the 1993 Hong Kong and 1992 Middlesex Sevens.

The 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa proved that the team belonged in top company. They again reached the quarterfinals after wins over Argentina and Italy, but were beaten 42-14 by the eventual winners South Africa. After the Cup, Manu Samoa made a 13-match tour of England and Scotland, drawing 15-15 with the Scots and going down 9-27 to England.With the advent of professional rugby in 1995 it was vital for Manu Samoa to developed a new administrative structure.

This was made possible with Fay Richwhite and the Western Samoan Rugby Union joining forces to form Manu Samoa Rugby Limited, which now manages business for the team. Samoa emerged from the 1999 Rugby World Cup with honour intact after another shock 38-31 victory over host nation Wales in the pool stages. They again lost out to Scotland in the quarter final play-off.Manu Samoa qualified for the 2003 Rugby World Cup with a 17-16 defeat by Fiji, Earl Va’a missing an injury-time penalty. They recovered to beat Tonga both home and away and avenged that Fijian defeat with a 22-12 win in Nadi. They ultimately had to settle for second place in the round robin, behind Fiji on points difference, and a place in the tougher of the two Rugby World Cup 2003 pools alongside automatic qualifiers England and South Africa. In one of the games of the tournament they led eventual champions England for most of the game before losing 22-35.

The New Zealand ConnectionWestern Samoa's triumph in the 1991 Rugby World Cup was inspired by their coach Bryan Williams who had been the first Samoan-born player to transfer his allegiance to the All Blacks. Since Williams many Samoans have pursued their rugby careers in New Zealand provincial rugby and the best of these have been snapped up by the All Blacks.

However, many of these players have been educated in New Zealand from an early age, developing their rugby skills within the very challenging New Zealand secondary schools competition. Malili Muliaina, Jerry Collins, Isaia Toeava and Casey Laulala are just four of the many Samoan-born players who have chosen to represent New Zealand, after having been educated there.In recent times New Zealanders of Samoan descent have been key members of the All Blacks squad, including past New Zealand captain Tana Umaga.

In some Test matches on their 2005 Grand Slam tour of the Home Nations New Zealand fielded a side packed with players of Samoan descent. New Zealand born players with Samoan parentage have also played for Samoa, such as Earl Va'a, Pat Lam and Lome Fa'atau.The rugby relationship that exists between New Zealand and Samoa is undoubtedly a complex one. Close ties exist between the two countries, these bonds first being formed with the start of mass Polynesian migration to New Zealand in the latter half of the twentieth century. Naturally, many players eligible for Samoa have chosen to play for the All Blacks, recognising the obvious potential for financial and sporting rewards. Also, unfortunately, because of current international eligibilty laws, many Samoans who commit themselves to playing for the All Blacks find that they are unable to play for the smaller nation when their dreams of pulling on the black shirt are unrealised.

Welcome

Greetings to all our readers!

This is a blog dedicated to the Manu Samoa as they prepare for the RWC 07 in France.

Furthermore, there will details for our Manu Samoa Sevens.

Some valid Infromation here and news of the Manu Samoa.

Cheers,