Manu Samoa team named
Manu Samoa’s head coach, Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua, has named his side to play a strong German team tomorrow for the first of two Rugby World Cup qualifying games between these two sides.
Logovii Mulipola returns from injury to join the front trio with Motu Matu’u and Paul Alo-Emile. Ofisa Treviranus will start at No. 8 with Jack Lam and Piula Faasalele on the flanks. Manu Samoa's captain Chris Vui will pair up with Josh Tyrell in the locks.
In the halves, Melani Matavao will provide fastball to playmaker, Tusi Pisi, who is looking at setting a solid platform for his outside troops. Sinoti Sinoti returns on the left wing with Ed Fidow on the right wing. Alapati Leiua pairs up with Manu Samoa's vice-captain, Paul Perez, on the centres with Ah See Tuala being the sweeper for Manu Samoa for the day.
One player who is looking forward to this day is local boy and Taula Eels fly-half, Patrick Faapale, who makes his return to the international arena when he comes off the bench on Saturday.
"I am so pleased to be selected once again and I am looking forward to play my best for my brothers and for my country and more importantly this is for my mom who passed away last week. This is for her,” Patrick Fa’apale.
Manu Samoa team to play Germany:
1. Loose head - Logovii Mulipola
2. Hooker - Motu Matuu
3. Tight head - Paul Alo-Emile
4. Lock - Josh Tyrell
5. Lock - Chris Vui (Captain)
6. Blindside - E Piula Faasalele
7. Openside - Jack Lam
8. Ofisa Treviranus
9. Scrum Half - Melani Matavao
10. Outside half - Tusi Pisi
11. Wing - Sinoti Sinoti
12. Centre - Alapati Leiua
13. Centre - Paul Perez
14. Wing - Ed Fidow
15. Fullback - Ah See Tuala
16. Front Row - Seilala Lam
17. Front Row - Jordan Lay
18. Front Row - Viliamu Afatia
19. Joe Tekori
20. TJ Ioane
21. Dwayne Polataivao
22. Patrick Faapale
23. Alofa Alofa
Injured Player(s): 1. Rey Lee-Lo
Management: Head Coach – Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua Ass. Coach/ GM HPU – Zane Hilton TA – Chris Latham TA – Todd Dammers S&C Trainer – John Ashley Jones Team Doctor – Dr. Misa Navy Collins Team Physio – Olivia Withers Video Analyst – Michael Quigley Team Manager – Vaaelua Aloi Alesana