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Apia, Samoa – July 5, 2024 – Samoa Manu coach Mas Mahonri Schwalger has named a star-studded squad for his first team to take on top-10 Italian rivals at Apia Park at 5pm today.
Eight Moana Pasifika players were selected for the squad, which was Samoa’s first tournament under the new coach.
This is Samoa’s first international tournament since their heroics at last year’s Rugby World Cup in France, where they won a dominant victory over Chile but lost to tough battles against Argentina, Japan and England to fail to advance from the group stage.
Today they face Italy, who are ranked in the top seven, and on July 13 they will face Spain, and the new round of international matches will be a fresh start under the leadership of coach and former captain Mase Mahonri Schwalger.
The forward lineup includes players from multiple leagues around the world.
The front row consists of Welsh striker Aki Seiuli and Moana Pasifika hooker Sama Malolo and Colomiers Rugby main man Marco Fepuleai. The front row consists of Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee and Samuel Slade, who play for Japan’s Kamashi Club Rugby.
Saracens back-rower Theo McFarland will form a strong loose forward trio with winger Murphy Taramai and Nolakin No.8 Olajuwon Noa.
Moana Pacifica’s Jonathan Taumatain and Alai Dangelo Leia will lead Manu Samoa’s attack up the pitch. The team has a real attacking threat on the wings, including midfielders Danny Toala and Arapati Leia.
Nigel Ah Wong plays on the wing alongside Counties Manukau player Sebastian Visinia, while 2015 Australian U20 representative Duncan Paia’au is at fullback.
Moana Pasifika has two substitutes. They are Michael Cury and center back Melani Matavao.
The match will be held at Apia Park at 5:00 pm EST.
Manu Samoa to face Italy
- Seuriachi
- Good morning
- Marco Feplai
- Benjamin Petaya Nini
- Samuel Slade
- Theo MacFarlane
- Murphy Tallamay
- Olawan Noah
- Jonathan Taumartin
- Alai D’Angelo Leila
- Huang Yajie
- Danny Toula
- Albert Rea
- Sebastian Vicinia
- Duncan Payao
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16. Andrew Towel
17. Amusement Rides Stop
18. Lorani Farley
19. Michael Curry
20. Jacob Mapp
21. Melanie Matavao
22. Alfa Morelli
23. Stacey Ely
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