1
Top 14 heavy Samoa side to play additional World Cup warm-up
By Ian Cameron
Manu Samoa are gearing up to face a formidable Barbarians side in an additional Rugby World Cup warm-up match in Brive.
The Manu Samoa squad boasts an impressive lineup with a heavy French accent, with no less than 13 players plying their trade in the Top 14 league. There will also be southern hemisphere club interest too, with the likes of Christian Lealiano and Lima Sopoaga also set to star after making the switch thanks to World Rugby's new eligibility laws.
The Samoan squad will include Jordan Taufua, Charlie Faumuina, Brian Alainu'uese, TieTie Tuimauga, Tim Nanai-Williams, Tumua Manu, Fritz Lee, Duncan Paia Aua, Paul Alo-Emile, Genesis Mamea Lemalu and UJ Senteni; all who currently play their rugby in France.
RugbyPass understands that the Barbarians side will be coached by Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam and will include a number of test stars.
Before heading to Brive, the Manu Samoa team have a busy schedule in the lead-up to the game. They are set to take on Japan this weekend at the Sapporo Dome, followed by two matches on Samoa soil.
They then journey to Paris prior to arrival in Brive, where they will spend the week acclimatizing. The Barbarians will join them in Brive for the week.
Following their time in Brive, Seilala Mapusua's team will head to Bayonne to take on Ireland, continuing their Rugby World Cup preparations.
With Brive not featuring as a stadium at the World Cup, it also serves as an opportunity for locals to enjoy some international calibre rugby prior to the flagship event later in the year.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Initial Immanuel Feyi-Waboso injury update does not sound promising
3
Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’
4
Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
5
Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
Go to comments