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This June, most of rugby’s attention will be down under in Australia, but let’s not forget that there are international rugby Tests being played all around the world.
I am a Wallabies supporter but am also a devout Manu Samoa supporter and I am definitely anticipating both the British and Irish Lions and Samoa’s upcoming tournament in South Africa.
Samoa have included just two locally-based players, Robert Lilomaiava and Fa’alemiga Selesele, within the squad, with the rest of the players hailing from Europe, Japan and New Zealand.
With the likes of experienced campaigners Census Johnston, Kahn Fotuali’i, Taiasina Tuifua and Maurie Fa’asavalui, Samoa definitely look primed to make some more noise in the international rugby arena.
Six uncapped players have also been named in Manu Leiatua, Jack Lam, Auvasa Faleali’i, Isaia Tuifua, Brando Va’aulu and Alapati Leiua.
A further two players are still yet to be named (loose forward and winger) as well as a captain, rumored to be former Manu Samoa captain and Worcestor Warriors flyer David Lemi.
Samoa will be involved in a four-team tournament which also includes hosts South Africa, Italy and Scotland.
Samoan squad to tour South Africa:
Fowards: Tii Paulo (Clermont – France), Wayne Ole Avei (Bordeaux – France), Manu Leiataua (North Harbour – New Zealand), Census Johnston (Toulouse – France), Logovii Mulipola (Leicester Tigers – England), Sakaria Taulafo (London Wasps – England), James Johnston (Harlequins – England), Kane Thompson (Canon Eagles – Japan), Iosefa Tekori (Castres – France), Daniel Leo (Perpignan – France), Teofilo Paulo (Cardiff Blues – Wales), Taiasina Tuifua (Newcastle Falcons – England), Alafoti Faosiliva (Bristol – England), Ofisa Treviranus (London Irish – England), Jack Lam ( Wellington Hurricanes – New Zealand), Maurie Faasavalu (Harlequins – England), Faalemiga Selesele (Moata’a – Samoa)
Backs: Kahn Fotualii (Ospreys – Wales), Jeremy Sua (Crusaders – New Zealand), Auvasa Falealii (Warahtahs – Australia), Tusiata Pisi (Wellington Hurricanes – New Zealand), Ki Anufe (Marist Auckland – New Zealand), George Pisi (Northampton Saints – England), Johnny Leota (Sale Sharks – England), Isaia Tuifua (Vigo – Spain), Brandon Vaaulu (Tokyo Gas – Japan), Alesana Tuilagi (NTT Shining Arcs – Japan), Alapati Leiua (Wellington Hurricanes – New Zealand), Robert Lilomaiava (Vaiala – Samoa), Paul Williams (Stade Francais – France), James Sooialo (Connacht – Ireland)
Tour fixtures:
Saturday, June 8 (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit): Scotland v Samoa; Springboks v Italy
Saturday, June 15 (Mr Price Kings Park, Durban): Samoa v Italy; Springboks v Scotland
Saturday, June 22 (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria): Team 3 v Team 4 ; Team 1 v Team 2
Do you like this tournament format? What do you think of the selections? And what do you think of Samoa’s chances against some quality outfits this coming June?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.