Three All Blacks and a Wallaby named in Samoa squad
Samoa's Rugby World Cup training squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2023 has been announced by head coach Seilala Mapusua.
The squad features some notable additions, taking advantage of the change in eligibility laws that now allow players to switch international allegiances under certain conditions.
This change has paved the way for the inclusion of former Wallaby fly-half Christian Leali’ifano and ex-All Blacks Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua and Lima Sopoaga.
Coach Mapusua has selected a mix of experienced players and promising talents for the squad. Among the notable inclusions are nine uncapped players, highlighting Samoa's commitment to developing new talent.
The uncapped players will have the opportunity to prove themselves and potentially make their mark on the international stage.
In the forward pack, players such as Michael Ala’alatoa, Jack Lam, and Chris Vui bring experience and leadership to the team. They will be joined by newcomers including Miracle Fai’ilagi, Samuel Slade, and Alamanda Motuga, who will be eager to make an impression.
Tim Nanai-Williams, who has previously represented Samoa, brings his expertise to the squad, along with Nigel Ah Wong and Melani Matavao. The uncapped backs like Tumua Manu and Martini Talapusi will have an opportunity to prove their worth.
Forwards: Michael Ala’alatoa, Brian Alainu’uese, Paul Alo-Emile, Michael Curry, So’otala Fa’aso’o, Miracle Fai’ilagi, Charlie Faumuina, Jack Lam, Seilala Lam, Titi Lamositele, Jordan Lay, Fritz Lee, Genesis Mamea-Lemalu, Steven Luatua, Sama Malolo, Theo McFarland, Alamanda Motuga, Ray Niuia, Taleni Seu, Samuel Slade, Jordan Taufua, Luteru Tolai, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Tietie Tuimauga, Chris Vui
Backs: Nigel Ah Wong, Ereatara Enari, Neria Fomai, Stacey Ili, Christian Leali’ifano, D’angelo Leuila, Tumua Manu, Melani Matavao, Tim Nanai-Williams, Duncan Paia’aua, UJ Seuteni, Lima Sopoaga, Martini Talapusi, Jonathan Taumateine, Danny Toala
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Getting rid of the Dupont Law is a good thing and ought to have been done months ago! Officially getting rid of the croc roll is a good thing. The law about no scrums from a short arm is well intended in terms of speeding the game up but it’s an overreaction to a clever yet calculated gamble that could have blow up in South Africa’s face if they conceded a penalty from the scrum that was set after Willemse took claimed the mark in the World Cup QF.
Go to commentsRassie The GOAT
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