The last time Manu Samoa played an international match was in September last year. That makes it 10 months to the day when they face Scotland at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.

Manu Samoa played the United States on 21 September 2024 in the third-place playoff of the Pacific Nations Cup. There were no November tests for the Manu Samoa because Lakapi Samoa did not have the funds to send the team on a tour. Scotland, on the other hand, had their last match at the end of March. In terms of international engagements, the Manu Samoa is at a loss; however, our players have been active in their respective tournaments. We have the talent, and anything could happen on matchday.

Lemalu Tusi Pisi will face his first match in charge as head coach in the July Test. He said he accepted the challenge and was looking forward to the game in New Zealand. Lemalu’s camp will shift from Samoa to be based in New Zealand. Lemalu has also announced an interesting squad. Michael Alaalatoa, the 2023 Rugby World Cup captain, returns to the team. He has made 12 club appearances for Clermont in the last season. The 33-year-old did not feature for the Manu Samoa last year. Lemalu also announced Michael Curry as part of the squad; he has only appeared twice for the Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby.

Theodore McFarland’s retention as the captain is an excellent choice. He is someone who leads by example. His work rate on and off the field and his demeanour as a person are something all players can look up to, even those more seasoned than him.

Lemalu has roped in three players from the Japanese League, seven from the US, 11 have been selected for the first time, nine from European clubs, one from Manu Samoa 7s, three from Manuma Samoa and two locally based players who are playing in the local NPC. It is good to see Lemalu giving players in the local competition a break. This is motivation for other local players to propel their games and reach the standard needed to compete with other players who are plying their trade for overseas clubs. Only time will tell how Lemalu and his coaching team can mould the players into a team ready to take on Scotland.

It is also concerning that five players chose the option to forego national duties in favour of club rugby. This includes Miracle Faiilagi, a player instrumental in Manu Samoa’s win over Italy and Spain last year and someone who has been a consistence performer on national duty. Could it be money woes? Is the lure of money more important than national duties? Or is it something learnt from past tours when it comes to allowances and expenditure?

While the players and the coaches will do their part, Lakapi has to ensure the team is supported financially. The union must ensure that player allowances are paid on time, there are no hiccups when it comes to accommodation, travel and other logistics and no repeat of the November incident, when the tour was cancelled. After the Scotland match on 19 July, the Pacific Nations Cup will start a month after and end in September. There will be World Rugby financial support to ensure financial woes do not impact team performance and perhaps for coaches’ salaries, but the onus falls on Lakapi Samoa to ensure nothing on the administrative side goes wrong.

Head to head in the last five outings, Scotland has beaten Samoa four times. It was in 2013 when Scotland were beaten. The scores have always been close when Manu Samoa have played, except in the last outing at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where the score was 34-0 in favour of the Scots.

This is an interesting time for the nation. Early elections have been called, and there is uncertainty in the air. The only thing that drives Samoans away from politics is rugby. Here is hoping that Lemalu and his squad prepare well, beat Scotland and then qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup with a stellar performance in the PNC.