Manu Samoa Sevens kick off their campaign to earn an Olympic spot in France on late Friday night in the World Sevens Series.

Samoa faces Ireland on Friday May 12 at 11.45pm and then play their second pool game against Japan at 4.26am on Saturday May 13. All teams play two games on Day One of Tolouse 7s.

In their last two meetings, Ireland and Samoa have won one encounter each. Ireland are no pushovers and playing closer to home, they will be a force to reckon with.

Samoa has been in devastating form in the last two tournaments as well. Hard running Vai Apelu Maleko and Paul Scanlan have been key for the team.

Head coach Muliagatele Brian Lima has stated that no teams in the World Sevens Series are easy and any of the teams can pull an upset.

The team left more than a week ago to train in New Zealand and then left for the European leg of the World Sevens Series.

Samoa leads Pool D with Australia, Japan and Ireland. Due to the time difference, Manu Samoa Sevens games will be either late night or early morning.

The team still has a chance to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. They need to ensure that they finish on top of Australia in the last two tournaments.

The coach is definitely going for the tournament titles as he knows he has a very reliable team which can achieve this.

So far New Zealand is the only men’s team that has qualified for the Olympic Games. Three spots remain and it is one of the closest races to the finish.

Samoa’s last pool game will be against Australia at 10.59pm on Saturday May 13.