Manu Samoa selects on the availability of players
Manu Samoa Head Coach, Stephen Betham says the selection of the Manu Samoa team is based on the availability of the players.
Coach Stephen Betham responded following news on www.stuff.co.nz that All Blacks Coach Steve Hansen has indicated considering Alapati Leiua who was named in the Manu Samoa squad, as a possible inclusion in All Blacks training camps later this month.
“We selected the players on the basis of their availability and if any other nation showed their interest to the players then it becomes the player’s decision.” says Stephen Betham.
Manu Samoa squad was named and announced early this week, with Leiua on the wings.
Meanwhile Manu Samoa Management is awaiting confirmation from one of the players on his availability to join the team. Skipper David Lemi is currently under rehabilitation for 8-12 weeks due to injury and will have to find a replacement that will not be necessarily a wing.
MANU SAMOA SQUAD FOR SOUTH AFRICA JUNE TOUR 2013
Hookers: Tii Paulo – ASM Clermont France
Wayne Ole Avei – Bordeaux Beagles
Manu Leiataua – North Harbor NZ
Props : Cencus Johnston – Tolouse France
Logovii Mulipola – Leicester Tigers UK
Sakaria Taulafo – London Wasp UK
James Johnston – Harlequins UK
Locks: Kane Thompson – Canon Eagles, Japan
Iosefa Tekori – Casters Olympic, France
Daniel Leo – Perpignan, France
Teofilo Paulo – Cardiff Blues, Wales
Loose Forwards: Taiasina Tuifua – Newcastle Falcons UK
Alafoti Faosiliva – Bristol Rugby Club
Ofisa Treviranus – London Irish, UK
Jack Lam – Hurricanes, NZ
Maurie Faasavalu – Harlequins UK
Faalemiga Selesele – Moata’a, Samoa
** (one to be added) **
Halfback: Kahn Fotualii – Ospreys Wales
Jeremy Sua – Canterbury Crusaders UK
Auvasa Falealii – Thas Newcastle Australia
First Fives: Tusiata Pisi – Wellington Hurricanes
Ki Anufe – Marist Auckland
Midfields: George Pisi – Northampton Saints UK
Johnny Leota – Sale Sharks UK
Isaia Tuifua – Vigo Rugby Club, Spain
Brandon Vaaulu – Tokyo Gas, Japan
Wings: Alesana Tuilagi – NTT Shining Arcs Japan
Alapati Leiua – Hurricanes NZ
Robert Lilomaiava – Vaiala Rugby Club Samoa
**(one more to be added)**
Fullbacks. Paul Williams – Stade Francais, France
James Sooialo – Wellington Norths, NZ
Management Team:
1. Head Coach – Stephen Betham
2. Team Manager – Namulauulu Sami Leota
3. Assistant Coach Backs – Darryl Suasua
4. Assistant Coach Forwards – Gregory Smith
5. Scrum Coach – Michael Casey
6. Video Analyst – Junior Narayan
7. Strength & Conditioning Coach – Michael Deasy
8. Logistics Officer – Uitiriai Kapeteni
9. Team Doctor – Dr Navy Collins
10. Physiotherapist 1 – Jodie McCarthy
11. Physiotherapist 2 – Sue Pescud
12. Set Piece Skills Coach – TBC
13. Development Coach - TBC
Tour Schedule:
Date |
|
Venue |
19-24 May |
Management Technical Planning Session |
Auckland NZ |
24th May |
Travel to South Africa |
Auckland Airport |
27 -31st May |
Team Camp |
South Africa |
1st June |
Samoa vs Currie Lions |
Ellis Park |
8th June |
Samoa vs Scotland |
Mr Prince Kings Park Durban |
15th June |
Samoa vs Italy |
Mbombela Nelspruit |
22nd June |
Finals (1st vs 2nd ) & (3rd vs 4th ) |
Loftus Versfield Pretoria |
23rd June |
Players & Management Disperse |
South Africa Johannesburg |
25th June |
Arrive in Samoa |
Faleolo Airport |