Sport

Manu men named to take on ABs

16:41 pm on 6 July 2015

The Manu Samoa team to take on the All Blacks in Apia on Wednesday's been named, and there's just one locally-based player in the side.

Reserve back Faialaga Afamasaga's the odd one out - the rest of the team ply their trade either in Europe or in New Zealand.

And with the likes of Newcastle lock Kane Thompson, formerly of the Chiefs and Highlanders, Bristol openside Jack Lam (formerly of the Hurricanes) and Chiefs fullback Tim Nanai-Williams, the Manu men will have plenty of Super Rugby experience to take to the All Blacks players.

Manu Samoa coach Stephen Betham, left, manager Sami Leota, centre, and co-coach Alama Ieremia at the team announcement in Apia Photo: RNZ

Samoa co-coach Alama Ieremia's not dwelling too much on the New Zealanders though. "There is that knowledge obviously of the opposition, but at the end of the day we can only control what we actually have here."

But talking of his old team, the former All Blacks centre was quick to acknowledge the challenge ahead. "You know it's a great team. It's great to see that they're bringing a full strength team so, we'll certainly get excited about it and we'll give it our best shot."

Samoa:

1 Sakaria Taulafo

2 Wayne Ole Avei

3 Census Johnson

4 Teofilo Paulo

5 Kane Thompson

6 Alafoti Faosiliva

7 Jack Lam

8 Ofisa Treviranus (c)

9 Kahn Fotuali'i

10 Tusiata Pisi

11 Alesana Tuilagi

12 Johnny Leota

13 Paul Perez

14 Alofa Alofa

15 Tim Nanai-Williams

Reserves:

16 Ma'atulimanu Leiataua

17 Anthony Perenise

18 Iosefa Tekori

19 Maurie Faasavalu

20 Peleifofoga Cowley

21 Faialaga Afamasaga

22 Ken Pisi