Samoa has named a 26-man squad heavy with overseas-based players for next week’s one-off rugby union Test against New Zealand in Apia.
Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegao, who is also chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, announced the squad in the Samoan capital on Tuesday.
The match lineup has yet to be confirmed, but London Irish flanker Ofisa Treviranus was named earlier this week as captain and is likely to combine in an experienced backrow with France-based double international Maurie Fa’asavalu and Bristol No. 8 Jack Lam. Fa’asavalu played rugby league for Great Britain before joining London-based Harlequins in 2010.
Photo: AFP
The Samoa squad is drawn from players based in England, France, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa, highlighting the extent of the Samoan rugby diaspora.
At least 24 of the 26-man Samoa squad are permanently based overseas. Among the forwards, hooker Wayne Ole Avei plays in France for Bordeaux-Begles, while of the props, Viliamu Afatia is at Agen, Census Johnston at Toulouse, Anthony Perenise at Bristol and Sakaria Taulafo at Stade Francais.
Lock Kane Thompson is with Newcastle in England, while among his fellow second rowers, Teofilo Paulo is with the Cardiff Blues and Iosefa “Joe” Tekori with Toulouse.
Tusiata Pisi, who is likely to start at flyhalf, is based in Japan with Suntory Sungoliath and might combine with scrumhalf Kahn Fotuali’i, who plays at Northampton.
Fullback Tim Nanai-Williams plays for the Hamilton-based Waikato Chiefs in Super Rugby, while, of the wingers named yesterday, Alofa Alofa is with La Rochelle in France, Ken Pisi is with Northampton and Alesana Tuilagi — brother of England center Manu Tuilagi — is at Newcastle.
The broad professional experience should make the team competitive in Samoa’s first-ever home Test against the All Blacks.
“In the forwards alone it’s a big challenge for us as it’s an opportunity, a one-off opportunity to play against the best,” Fa’asavalu said.
The Samoa players have been in camp for some time preparing for the Test on Wednesday next week.
“It’s about every player gelling together ... getting our plays right and the little things that help us make the improvement,” Fa’asavalu said.
New Zealand were also yet to name their match lineup.
Other players in the Samoa squad are: Ma’atulimanu Leiataua, Fa’atiga Lemalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, T.J. Ioane, Peleifofoga Cowley, Michael Stanley, Johnny Leota, Paul Perez and Ah See Tuala.
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