MANU SAMOA GEARS UP FOR RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023 WITH TEST MATCHES
Manu Samoa prepares for Rugby World Cup 2023 (Photo: Manu Samoa Facebook)
With the Rugby World Cup 2023 on the horizon, Manu Samoa, the national rugby team of Samoa, is eagerly preparing for the prestigious tournament. To fine-tune their skills and assess the new squad, the team has scheduled several test matches as warm-up games. These matches will not only serve as valuable preparation for the Rugby World Cup but also allow the coaches to evaluate the team's performance. Manu Samoa will face off against formidable opponents, including Japan, Ireland, Fiji, and Tonga, in the build-up to the tournament.
Manu Samoa's test match schedule begins with a clash against Japan in Sapporo, Hokkaido. This encounter will provide the team with an early opportunity to gauge their strengths and weaknesses. Following this, they will return to their home ground, Apia Samoa, to face Fiji and Tonga in matches yet to be confirmed. Finally, they will travel to France, the host country for the Rugby World Cup 2023, to take on Ireland in what promises to be an enthralling contest.
The pre-RWC23 Manu Samoa squad was announced last month and features a blend of experienced players and emerging talents. Among the notable names are Melani Matavo, who has previously represented Samoa in Rugby Sevens, former Wallaby fly-half Christian Leali’ifano, and ex-All Blacks Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua, and Lima Sopoaga. Many other players have made the switch to represent Samoa, opting for their ancestral nation over the national teams they had previously played for.
Samoa, along with Tonga, has capitalized on the change in eligibility laws implemented at the beginning of 2022. The revised rules allow players to switch international allegiances if they can demonstrate a credible link to the nation they wish to represent and have observed a three-year stand-down period. This change has opened doors for talented players to contribute to their ancestral nations' rugby development and competitiveness.
Manu Samoa Coaches
Manu Samoa's official Facebook page shared the names of the coaching staff for 2023. The team boasts a lineup of esteemed rugby legends, including former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, who serves as the defense coach. Seilala Mapusua, a Manu Samoa legend, holds the position of head coach, while Mahonri Schwalger, a former Manu Samoa captain, fulfills the role of Scrum Coach. Tusi Pisi, a former Manu Samoa fly-half, brings his expertise to the team as the backs and skills coach. Additionally, Tom Coventry, a rugby veteran, is responsible for coaching the forwards, and Andrew Goodman, a former New Zealand Rugby Union player, serves as the attack coach.
As the nation eagerly anticipates the test matches and the Rugby World Cup 2023, head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua expresses his excitement for the challenges ahead. He emphasizes the importance of the team's preparation and their test matches leading up to the tournament. Coach Mapusua views these matches as crucial opportunities to build a cohesive and formidable unit that will be ready to face the demanding competition at the Rugby World Cup.
The stage is set for Manu Samoa as they embark on their journey towards the Rugby World Cup 2023. With a series of test matches against formidable opponents, the team aims to fine-tune their strategies, evaluate the squad, and build a cohesive unit. The anticipation and excitement surrounding the test matches and the upcoming tournament are palpable. As Manu Samoa sets their sights on Rugby World Cup glory.
The first test match against Japan, will be on July 22nd, at Sapporo Dome, Japan.
