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Manu Samoa squad selected for history-making event

The official list of the 27-man squad — split between 15 forwards and 12 backs — selected for the Manu Samoa team to play against the All Blacks next week Wednesday, July 8 in Apia, Samoa — in a history making match — was read out by Manu Samoa’s Team Manager Namulauulu Sami Leota during the luncheon, hosted by the Samoa Rugby Union on Monday, June 29, in Samoa.

 

Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi exhorted Manu players during the luncheon in his special remarks to “do your utmost – play strong, play smart and win,” according to his speech provided by Samoa’s Press Secretariat.

 

Tuilaepa said “in the heat of battle, in the throes of competition on the field, facing your opposition; the right words are needed to steady the nerves, adjust tactics and set the play – to encourage greater effort and performance. It is all about encouragement for our players – to do your absolute best when the time comes.”

 

He encouraged the players in representing their small island nation, and recalled Samoa’s successful hosting of the SIDS Conference in 2014, noting it “was the product of many hands, it was through successful partnerships with many of Samoa’s friends from within our country, it was the combined effort of all our people that was pivotal for its success.”

 

Tuilaepa stated, “We have a history-making event on our hands.”

 

Manu Samoa coach Stephen Betham was reported by the Samoa Observer as saying, “we know Samoa’s dreams for the Manu Samoa are a huge challenge, but we’re up for it and the boys are up for it.”

 

MANU SAMOA TEAM

 

HOOKERS:

 

Wayne Ole Avei (Saleimoa, Leauvaa, Samata)

 

Maatulimanu Leiataua (Manono & Safune)

 

PROPS:

 

Viliamu Afatia (Vaiala)

 

Census Johnson (Lalomanu)

 

Anthony Perenise (Solosolo & Fasitootai)

 

Sakaria Taulafo (Asau & Malie)

 

LOCKS:

 

Kane Thompson (Apia)

 

Teofilo Paulo (Solosolo, Faleapuna, Safune, Matatufu, Saleaaumua)

 

Iosefa Tekori (Vailele)

 

Faatiga Lemalu (Lefaga, Faleasiu)

 

LOOSE FORWARDS:

 

Alafoti Faosiliva (Afega)

 

Jack Lam (Gataivai, Malie)

 

Ofisa Trevarinus (Captain) (Malie)

 

Maurie Faasavalu (Falelatai & Safotu)

 

TJ Ioane (Vaiee & Saleimoa)

 

HALFBACKS:

 

Khan Fotualii (Faleapuna)

 

Peleifofoga Cowley (Vaigaga & Toamua)

 

FIRST FIVE-EIGHTHS:

 

Tusiata Pisi (Toamua, Lefaga & Safata)

 

Michael Stanley (Vaigaga)

 

WINGS:

 

Alofa Alofa (Tafitoala & Solosolo)

 

Ken Pisi (Toamua, Lefaga & Safata)

 

Alesana Tuilagi (Fatausi & Fogapoa)

 

MIDFIELDERS:

 

Faialaga Afamasaga (Fasitootai & Vailuutai)

 

Johnny Leota (Avao)

 

Paul Perez (Vaigaga)

 

OUTSIDE BACKS:

 

Tim Nanai Williams (Manono & Falelatai)

 

Ah See Tuala (Moamoa & Gataivai)