The Samoa A rugby side flies out for Melbourne today for a one-off pre-season clash against the Rebels Super Rugby team.
Greg Foe will captain Samoa A vs the Melbourne Rebels. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The development side will be captained by openside flanker Greg Foe, who is one of seven players based outside of Samoa, and features six Manu Samoa Test capped players.
The match is part of the team's preparation for next month's Pacific Rugby Challenge in Suva, which also features A teams from Tonga, Fiji and Japan.
Samoan rugby fans. Photo: Photosport
Head Coach Potu Leavasa said the game was a good test for the local players and a chance to test their skills against an experienced Super Rugby side.
"We know it will be tough, but we want to test ourselves against the next level and expose our players to professional teams and professional environments."
Manu Samoa head coach Namulauulu Alama Ieremia will travel with the team as a Technical Advisor and the Director of Coaching.
"It is imperative we support our local players and coaches. This campaign is critical for rebuilding the depth and experience of the next generation of players. We are under no illusions that this is a decent challenge but we are excited and privileged to receive an opportunity.
"This will give us a clear indication of where our players are at and help us build towards our main campaign in Fiji."
SRU Chief Executive Officer Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai said playing a Super Rugby team did not come around every day and hopefully Samoa could reciprocate and host the Rebels in the future.
Samoa A squad:
- JAKE GREY, SCOPA
- TIETIE TUIMAUGA, SCOPA
- SILIVA TAPU, VAIALA
- VALENTINE MEACHEN, MARIST, WELLINGTON
- SEMIPERIVE SEMEANE, SCOPA & BRISBANE
- TUMAMA TUULUA, SYDENHAM, CHRISTCHURCH
- TALAGA ALOFIPO, VAIMOSO
- MIKAELE TAPILI, AANA & MARIST LOOSE FORWARDS
- LESTER SEFO, MOATAA
- GREG FOE (C), PONEKE, WELLINTON
- NISSAN AITUI, MARIST & SALAILUA
- ONEONE FAAFOU , VAIALA
- JOSEPH FUIMAONO, MARIST
- MELANI MATAVAO, AANA & VAIALA
- VAIOFOGA SIMANU, TEPATASI & APIA FIRST FIVES
- SOFARA MAI , MARIST & PALAULI
- STEFANO HUNT, GPS, BRISBANE MIDFIELDERS
- FAIALAGA AFAMASAGA, AANA & APIA
- SAM FRANKLIN, LINWOOD, CHRISTCHURCH
- ISAIA PETELO, MARIST, WELLINGTON
- FALENIU IOSI , MOATAA
- VAOVASA AFA, VAIMOSO & SALELOLOGA
- TITI ESAU, VAIALA
Head coach
- MAILO POTU LEAVASA
Technical advisor
- NAMULAULU ALAMA IEREMIA