Fast Facts:
Players: 38,240
RWC Results: Quarters 1991, 1995, 1999, Third in Pool 2003 Fourth in Pool 2007
IRB World Ranking: 9th 76.35
Best Result 2014: Vs. Italy 15:0
Coach: Stephen Betham Captain: David Lemi
Culture
NAPARAZZI
Similar to most original rugby nations, the game of rugby was brought to Samoa by their New Zealand neighbours. Samoan immigrants living in New Zealand enjoyed the game, and brought it back to their homes, villages, and towns in Western Samoa. The sport rapidly grew in popularity, and is now the national sport of Western Samoa. Similarly to Fiji, Samoan's enjoy the competitive nature that the sport brings between their rival islands in the pacific. Samoan's have a natural physique, and talent that is required for rugby union. So although there is not much money in Samoan rugby the quality of the players mean overseas clubs often picks them up, and sometimes poached by big nations. Samoa also have their own version of the haka, they perform the Siva Tau before every match as a challenge to the opposition.
Play Style
The Samoan play style is complimentary to their natural talents and physique. Conversely to their neighbours in Fiji, the Samoan's play a defensive brand of rugby. Using a solid defensive wall to choke the opposition, and win the ball over. When the Samoans get the ball they are not afraid to open up and run on attack, but are equally adept at the tactically side of the sport. More and more nowadays the Samoans are kicking making for a very similar game plan to that of their neighbours in New Zealand. The Samoans play a good balance between running and kicking making for a very efficient game plan that could carry them to success at this World Cup. In previous years they have had the wood on their rivals in Tonga, and Fiji because they understand the game so well. Moreover in recent years Samoa's set pieces have developed two fold, which is crucial in order to launch set plays.
Marques Stewart
The Sipi Tau