Manu to take on Wallabies in lead-up to World Cup

By Thomas Airey 18 March 2019, 12:00AM

The Manu Samoa will take on the Wallabies in a farewell test match at Bankwest Stadium in Paramatta, Sydney, Australia, prior to the team’s departure for the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Rugby Australia has come to an agreement with Samoa Rugby Union to host Manu Samoa for the test match as build up for both teams, and to have a farewell test match in front of their families and supporters.

The fixture will be the first international rugby test in the new 30,000 seat stadium, which is scheduled to open next month.

It will be the first match between the two nations since 2011, when Samoa defeated Australia at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, notching their first victory over the Wallabies after four previous attempts.

SRU CEO Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai said he thanks Rugby Australia for a wonderful opportunity on behalf of SRU and all of Samoa.

"We are very excited about playing at the new Bankwest Stadium in Western Sydney and we encourage all of our Pacific Island families to come and support the Manu before we depart for our RWC campaign in Tokyo. 

"I would also like to extend a warm gesture of gratitude to our principal partner the Grey Investment Group for their ongoing support.”

The Manu Samoa now have six test matches locked in ahead of the Rugby World Cup:

  • 27th July vs Tonga (Pacific Nations Cup) at Apia Park
  • 3rd August vs USA (Pacific Nations Cup) at Suva, Fiji
  • 10th August vs Fiji (Pacific Nations Cup) at Suva, Fiji
  • 31st August vs Tonga at Apia Park
  • 4th September vs Fiji at Apia Park
  • 7th September vs Australia at Sydney, Australia

The first game of Samoa's Rugby World Cup in Japan is against Russia on the 24th of September.

Tags

Rugby union
Samoa Rugby Union
Rugby World Cup
Manu Samoa
By Thomas Airey 18 March 2019, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>