MANU SAMOA SET TO TAKE ON ARGENTINA
Manu Samoa (Photo: Getty Images)
To preserve consistency and ensure game flow against the Los Pumas from Argentina in a crucial Pool D match on Saturday morning, Manu Samoa only made three changes to their starting eleven.
Ben Lam will start on the wing, Paul Ala'nu'uese at lock, and Paul Alo Emile is in the front row for the Rugby World Cup match. Head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua made these selections. Michael Ala'alatoa, the squad's prop co-captain, sits on the bench as lock Chris Vui gets the honor of leading the team out.
Samoa must prevail in order to have the upper hand over the Pumas in Pool D. The Pumas dropped their opening match to England two weeks ago. England is currently in first place in Pool D with two victories out of two games.In order to improve their chances of making it to the quarterfinals, Samoa, who are currently in second place, must win.
Mapusua stated that they are concentrating on stopping the South Americans, but they must execute properly. At the team announcement in Saint-Étienne on Wednesday night (French time), he told the reporters.
"We are going to have to do what we do and commit to how we want to play in order to stop Argentina from doing what they do."
We recognize the threat that Argentina poses, but we also think that if we play the way we want to play -- in the Samoan style -- we can stop Argentina.
He claimed that the Pumas matchup was chosen because of the strengths of the three players who were handed starting roles.
In this game, he continued, "we thought his strengths would be utilized, especially around the set-piece," because Brian [Alainu'u'ese, second row] had been training exceptionally well.
After suffering an injury a few weeks ago, Ben Lam is now available. He's now well and prepared to see action.
"When he was hurt, we were concerned. For us, he's a lot on the edge because he's a big man who moves quickly. He also contributes significantly to the larger channels with his pure strength and his style of play. This weekend, we can't wait to see him play on the field.