MANU SAMOA SEVENS: STRUGGLES ABOUND IN HSBC VANCOUVER SEVENS SERIES
Steve Onosai, Tom Maiava, and Taunuu Niulevaea power toward the Samoa Try Line against Australia (Photo: Barry Markowitz)
Manu Samoa Sevens displayed both resilience and determination as they competed in the recent HSBC Vancouver Sevens Series held in Canada over the past weekend. The team, led by Muavae Va'a, presented their player lineup and showcased their iconic jersey at the Sheraton Wall Hotel in Vancouver, setting the stage for an intense competition.
Their journey kicked off with a promising start as they faced off against the formidable Australian Sevens team. In a display of skill and teamwork, Manu Samoa Sevens secured an impressive victory with a final score of 31-7, igniting hopes for a successful tournament.
However, their momentum was met with a formidable challenge in their subsequent match against the French Sevens squad. Despite their valiant efforts, the team struggled to contain the French onslaught, ultimately falling short with a scoreline of 7-40. Determined to bounce back, the team regrouped, setting their sights on their next opponents.
In a hard-fought battle against the USA Sevens, Manu Samoa once again showcased their fighting spirit. Despite putting up a strong fight, they were unable to clinch victory, ending the match with a score of 7-21 in favor of the USA.
Undeterred by their previous setbacks, the Samoan side approached their final pool match against Argentina with unwavering determination. In a nail-biting encounter, Manu Samoa Sevens pushed themselves to the limit, coming agonizingly close to victory. However, despite their best efforts, they narrowly fell short, with the final score standing at 12-14 in favor of Argentina.
Despite the challenges faced throughout the tournament, Manu Samoa Sevens demonstrated commendable resilience and showcased the true spirit of rugby. As they reflect on their performance in Vancouver, the team will undoubtedly draw inspiration from their experiences, fueling their determination to strive for excellence in future competitions. With their unwavering passion and commitment, Manu Samoa Sevens remains a formidable force on the international rugby sevens stage.