Baby Manu ready whatever the weather

By Thomas Airey 22 February 2020, 1:30PM

The Samoa Under-20 rugby team are prepared for the prospect of wet and wild weather in their match against Tonga at Apia Park on Saturday.

With numerous tropical depressions bringing severe wind and rain to Samoa over the last week, coach Falanaipupu Setu Tuilaepa said more of the same will make it tough for his players.

“We’ve worked for the wet weather, we plan to control the ball, go for the short ball,” he said.

Falanaipupu said the conditions will certainly influence his gameplan, and had a bearing on the team he selected for the one-off game as well:

“Need some big guys to go and take it up first, then play off that platform.”

A win for Samoa will make them Oceania Rugby U20 Trophy champions, and earn them a place at the World Rugby U20 Trophy in September.

Falanaipupu said his team are ready for what is a very important match.

“We have to win this game tomorrow so we can go forward,” he said

“The boys have trained for a long time from last year until now.

“We already know Tonga will be hard and strong.

“And also they won both games last year, so they will be hard to beat.”

The game kicks off at 4 pm.

 

Team lists

Samoa Under-20:

1. Jack Laban
2. William Shikori Toala
3. Terrence To’omata
4. Mesulame Skelton
5. Mark Tui Tusigaigoa
6. Ailepata Junior Lemalu
7. Faamaoni Lalomilo
8. East Timor Faamatuainu (Captain)
9. Steve Onosa’i
10. Louis Bartley – Saena
11. Luke Elisara Malietoa
12. Andrew Wulf
13. Taunu’u Niulevaea (Vice Captain)
14. Owen Niue
 15. Indiha Jai-Huta Sao Tui-Huta

16. Peter Sam Ling
17. Malo Feagia’ilefata
18. Zephaniah Onesemo
19. Matthew Leoleoga Paleaaesina
20. Kaisa Alauni Fatu
21. Phillipe Fale Toelupe
22. Paul Faogali
 23. Connor Moors

 

Tonga Under-20

1. Sosefo Moniati
2. Koliniusi Lepa (Vice Captain)
3. Folau Fifita
4. Sione Fusituá
5. Misinale Épenisa
6. Kasimila Vaihu
7. Únaloto Fonua
8. Ófa Manukeu (Captain)
9. Moli Schaumkel
10. Tevita Ási
11. Vehekite Moataáne
12. Metanoea Saulala
13. Hesitoni Fa (Vice Captain)
14. Brandon Ikamanu
 15. Samuela Lavaka

16. Daniel Vaivela
17. Óneóne Taimi
18. Ásaeli Ngahe
19. Vake Taufa
20. Faúfoóu Laukaulolo
21. Katoni Ámone
22. Taholo Selupe
 23. Ísileli Mafua

Tags

Rugby union
By Thomas Airey 22 February 2020, 1:30PM
Samoa Observer

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