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Schedule, in Pool D
September 16: Samoa-Chile at the Matmut Atlantique, in Bordeaux (3 p.m., on M6)
September 22: Argentina-Samoa at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, in Saint-Etienne (5:45 p.m., on M6)
September 28: Japan-Samoa at the Stadium, in Toulouse (9 p.m., on M6)
October 7: England-Samoa at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium, in Lille (5:45 p.m., on France 2)
Find here all the results of the Samoa team
The Manu Samoa. This name designates a powerful, valiant, but… half Tongan mythological warrior! To celebrate it, a Samoan king would have said to him: “You smell like a Samoan”, « manu » meaning « smell » ; he wanted to tell him that, if not completely Samoan, he at least had the makings of it.
Samoa are among the teams benefiting the most from World Rugby’s changing rules for changing sporting nationality. The Manu Samoa have thus recovered a good handful of internationals from other countries (mainly Australians and New Zealanders). This will allow them to line up three-quarters which could give the defenses some headaches. If we add to this the fact that thirteen players come from the Moana Pasifika club (which plays in the very tough Super Rugby, the southern hemisphere championship), Samoa have a card to play in this group D, where Japan, England and Argentina don’t shine as much as they used to. Enough to hope for a third place. And why not reach the quarters, as in 1991 in 1995?
Their best performance
Two meetings marked the history of Samoa in the World Cup, in 1991 and 1999. Two prestigious victories against formidable Welsh. The first defeat, when the country was still called Western Samoa, resulted in this anonymous quip: “Fortunately Wales weren’t playing against the whole of Samoa! »
The forwards: Michael Alaalatoa (cocapitaine), Brian Alainu’uese, Paul Alo-Emile, So’otala Faasoso, Miracle Fai’ilagi, Charlie Faumuina, Seilala Lam, James Lay, Jordan Lay, Fritz Lee, Steven Luatua, Sama Malolo , Theo McFarland, Alamanda Motuga, Taleni Seu, Sam Slade, Jordan Taufua, Luteru Tolai, Chris Vui (cocapitaine).
The retarded guys : Nigel Ah Wong, Ereatara Enari, Ed Fidow, Neria Fomai, Ben Lam, Christian Leali’ifano, Alain D’Angelo Leuila, Tumua Manu, Melani Matavao, Duncan Paia’aua, Ulupano Junior Seuteni, Lima Sopoaga, Jonathan Taumateine, Danny Toala .
In La Rochelle, Ulupano Sergeant form with Jonathan Danty one of the best pairs of centers in the world. Swirling, where the Frenchman is frontal; elegant, when his companion is rough, the Samoan held a prominent place in the very good season of his club. If he manages to have the same level with his selection, we can expect some high class action.
Where to see them train
The Samoans will be accommodated in Montpellier, and more particularly at the GGL Stadium, home of the city’s rugby club (the Top 14 will be suspended for the duration of the competition). They will be able to enjoy the Antigone Olympic swimming pool.
He plays “at home”
Arrived at the French stadium more than seven seasons ago, the discreet Paul Alo-Emile gradually imposed himself within the Parisian fray, until becoming the captain of the team. His beginnings were difficult, he almost only stayed in Paris for a few months. He now likes the capital, and his little brother, Moses, has even joined him there. It remains to be seen what state of form the Samoan will be in: he played little in 2022, affected by depression.
The rugby expression that suits them well
“Pull out the spiked helmet” : this expression speaks for itself. When the players wear it, it means they are going into battle, showing all the virulence, and even sometimes the brutality, of which they are capable, even if it means flirting with the rules. This is the reputation of the Samoans. A little usurped, as their attack game can sometimes be licked.
