Star Players
The Samoan squad is able to call on a wealth of extremely talented overseas players particularly for their back line. Alapati Leiua, Alesana Tuilagi, and captain David Lemi, make up a well balanced back three that combines sheer speed, with brute strength and tactical nuance. In the halves pairing are the old, but experienced duo of Kahn Fotuali'I, and Tusi Pisi who both elevate Samoa's kicking game, and keep the squad tactically adept. In the forward pack there are not quite as many big names, although Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, and Kane Thompson make up a potent back row all experienced with super rugby in New Zealand. In the front row level headed Census Johnston leads the pack from the front, and dictates the set pieces. This Samoan squad is filled to the brim with experience, although an issue arising from this fact is the problem of age. A large portion of this Samoan squad is over 30; at this moment in time there are no obvious replacements for many key positions. It will be crucial that the players are well looked after before the world cup, or else the issue of depth will arise later on in the tournament.
Martin Dobey
How They've Fared
For a team that spends most of the year apart, the Samoans do a surprisingly good job at gelling as a team. The peak performances of this Samoan team have to come from 2013, when Samoa dealt with Scotland, and Italy convincingly in South Africa. They have also defeated an impressive Fijian team, and an ever-developing Tongan team in the past year. In all of these cases the Samoans were able to field their match day fifteen, the issue coming when they are unable to. In the past year they have recorded shock losses to Japan, and Ireland when key players were injured.
20/09 Vs. USA
Brighton Community Stadium
26/09 Vs. South Africa
Villa Park
03/10 Vs. Japan
Stadium MK
10/10 Vs. Scotland
St. James Park