Samoa and Tonga ready for clash

By Thomas Airey 21 February 2020, 9:00AM

Oceania Rugby and the Samoan and Tongan Under-20 sides are all set for their match at Apia Park on Saturday.

Tropical Disturbance 07F has continued to bring heavy wind, rain and flooding to Samoa this week, but Oceania Rugby competitions manager Wayne Schuster said preparations for the game are on track.

“Samoa Rugby Union, as usual they’re well equipped and well resourced in terms of hosting this tournament,” he said.

“We’re quite happy with the way everything’s falling into place.”


Schuster didn’t want to reveal too much about alternative plans if Apia Park were deemed unfit to host the game, and said only in the very worst case scenario would the match not go ahead.

“We don’t think it’ll come to that,” Schuster said.

“We’ve certainly got a few scenarios in place and some contingency plans.”

In that worst-case situation, Tonga would be awarded the 2020 Oceania Rugby Under-20 Trophy as defending champions from last year.

Whoever wins will receive a place at the 2020 World Rugby Under 20 Trophy, to be played in Spain in September.

Samoa captain East Timor Xanana Viliamu knows his team will be in for a tough game.

“As we all know, Tonga is a strong opponent and they have quite physical players too,” the 19-year-old number eight said.

“We’ve worked hard on the contact area, and on our set pieces.”

The Under-20s played in three practice games against Muliagatele Brian Lima’s Samoa A/Under-23/Manuma Samoa training group, with the opposition purposely adopting a Tonga-like style of rugby.

“I think it was a great boost and head start to our preparations,” Viliamu said.

The former Under-18 representative, who plays for the Safata Navigators in Super 9, said it will be special to captain the side on Saturday.

“It’s an honour for me and my family… and a good opportunity for me to represent my country and be a leader for the team,” he said.

Viliamu wants his family, friends and all of Samoa to come to Apia Park and help the team get over the line:

“It would mean everything to us for all you guys to be there.”

Tongan captain Fonua Manukeu is also welcoming as big crowd as possible to the match.

He and his team arrived late Wednesday night, and will look to get used to the conditions in training over the next couple of days.

“In Tonga, we’ve been training in sunny weather,” the number eight said.

But Manukeu promised his team would be ready to play whatever the weather brings come kickoff at 4 pm.


Samoa Under 20s extended squad:

Jack Laban, Peter Sam Ling, William Sihkori Toala, Luatimu Amataga, Terence To'omata, Malo Feagia'i Iefata, Zephaniah Onesemo, Mesulame Harold Skelton, Mathew Leoleoga Paleaaesina, Iakopo Latu Selausene, Kaisa Alauni Fatu, Faamaoni Jr Suetena, Mark Tui Tusigaigoa, East Timor Faamatuaainu Viliamu (c), Ailepata Leafa Lemalu, Steve Onosa'i, Philippe Sela Fale, Andrew Wulf, Louis Bartley-Saena, Alesana Lilomaiava, Paul Faoagali, Taunu'u Niulevaea, Eliu Hunt, Luke Elisara Malietoa, Owen Niue, Connor Moors, Indiha Sao Tui-Huta, Faafoi Falaniko 

Tonga Under 20s extended squad:

Folau Fifita, Óneóne Taimi, Simione Katoa, Sosefo Moniati, Daniel Vaivela, Fakakoloa Lepa, Misinale Épenisa, Ásaeli Ngahe, Sione Fusituá, Micah Taufa, Kasimila Vaihu, Fonua Manukeu (c), Únaloto Fonua, Faúfoóu Lolo, Moli Schaumkel, Katoni Ámone, Tevita Ási, Hesitoni Fa, Metanoea Saulala, Ísileli Mafua, Samiuela Taufa, Vehekite Moataáne, Brandon Ikamanu, Enrico Óneóne, Samuela Lavaka, Taholo Selupe, Folau Fifita, Óneóne Taimi

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By Thomas Airey 21 February 2020, 9:00AM

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