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Samoa opt for continuity with strong team picked for Argentina
By Grant Constable
Head coach Seilala Mapusua has made just three changes to his Samoa team to play Argentina in Pool D in Saint-Étienne on Friday, with only two changes to his forwards and one change in his backs from the team that defeated Chile 43-10 in their last game.
Paul Alo-Emile comes into the front-row, Brian Alainu’u’ese into the second-row, while powerful winger Ben Lam joins out wide.
Chris Vui will captain the team for the 12th time in his career, and third time at the Rugby World Cup after their pool victory against Russia in 2019 and last week against Chile.
Bringing experience from other countries, Samoa have three players in the team who have played Test rugby elsewhere, with Steven Luatua and Charlie Faumuina earning 15 and 50 caps for the All Blacks respectively, while playmaker Christian Leali’ifano amassed 26 tests for the Wallabies.
Moana Pasifika is well represented with 5 of the Samoan players playing together for them in Super Rugby, Nigel Ah-Wong, Christian Leali’ifano, Jonathan Taumateine, Danny Toala, and Alai D’Angelo Leuila.
Fullback Duncan Paia’aua is the only player to have played every minute for Samoa this year across all five tests. He is currently on a three-game try-scoring run, after crossing just once across his first four tests for Samoa, while flanker Theo McFarland did not miss a tackle against Chile, completing all 14 attempts.
SAMOA TEAM TO PLAY ARGENTINA ON FRIDAY
1. James Lay
2 Seilala Lam
3 Paul Alo-Emile
4 Brian Alainu'u'ese
5 Chris Vui (c)
6 Theo McFarland
7 Fritz Lee
8 Steven Luatua
9 Jonathan Taumateine
10 Christian Leali'ifano
11 Ben Lam
12 Tumua Manu
13 Ulupano Junior Seuteni
14 Nigel Ah-Wong
15 Duncan Paia'aua
Replacements:
16 Sama Malolo
17 Charlie Faumuina
18 Michael Alaalatoa
19 Taleni Junior Agaese Seu
20 Sa Jordan Taufua
21 Melani Matavao
22 Alai D'Angelo Leuila
23 Danny Toala
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Latest Comments
Let's be clear: Foster did not back unaquivocally players such as Vaa'i, Tamaiti and Roigard. Yes, he selected them in the squad, but it's a stretch to say he backed them. Those three players have only been backed fully this year (and thrived) under the new regime. There was massive hesitation to give those three guys serious game time in games of consequence.
It's another not-so-subtle dig from the old dynasty at any achievements Razor may be credited for.
Roigard in particular was a mind-baffling omission from the finals of the WC. After being the AB's best player against SA in the pre-WC match, he was not sighted in the big games that followed. Roigard is the type of guy who can win a game with a moment of brilliance, yet the established but uninspiring Christie was preferred to close out a close WC final.
So please, Fozzie, spare us the barely veiled laments about your unfair treatment and unseen achievements. The fact you feel you have to point them out is telling in itself. And it shows that despite saying you've moved on, you and your mate Hansen most definitely haven't.
Go to commentsHe's just a wannabe troll, mate.
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