Manu Samoa's prospect World Cup squad selection is widening with a new array of top players to make their debut for the team in the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup.
Jordan Taufua has made 101 appearances for the Crusaders. Photo: Photosport
With Manu Samoa already qualified to play in next year's World Cup, the Pacific Nations Cup serves as a venue for Head Coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua to assess the new roster.
"I'm really excited at the prospect and potential of these group of players", said Vaovasamanaia.
"We have some real experience in there and we also have some young up and coming players that are full of enthusiasm and who will add a lot to this team."
Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Among the uncapped recruits are former Wallaby flyhalf Duncan Paia'aua, and former New Zealand Sevens players Fritz Lee and Lolagi Visinia, who have been allowed to switch their nationalities thanks to changes in eligibility rules.
But perhaps the biggest name on paper is Lyon Flanker Jordan Taufua, whose extensive experience includes 101 appearances for the Canterbury Crusaders. Moana Pasifika star halfback Ereatara Enari is also in the mix. More players are expected to make themselves available by the end of the year.
"There's still opportunity for more players to put their hands up for the Rugby World Cup. The players have to want to come and play for Manu Samoa first and foremost. For the undecided, they're giving opportunities for others to impress in front of coaches and put their best foot forward," said Vaovasamanaia.
"There are more players who will make themselves available but I'm trying to build for the Rugby World Cup from now and we don't have a lot of games as it is."
Manu Samoa's first game kicks-off on 2 July against Australia in Suva, Fiji. They will later face hosts Fiji who are yet to announce their team, and a star-studded Tongan side that boasts the likes of Malakai Fekitoa and Israel Folau.
World Cup preparations disrupted by Covid
The Covid pandemic has frustrated World Cup preparations for Manu Samoa, with an entire Northern Hemisphere tour cancelled last year due to the high risk of catching covid, as well as concerns that players would not be allowed to travel to Samoa. The 2021 Covid rules in Samoa were among the strictest in the world, requiring anyone who has contracted disease to test negative for six months before being allowed to enter the country.
"It's been tough but unfortunately that's the way the world has been these last few years. It's been hard to build momentum and get some consistency with the lack of game time which makes the games that we do have before the world cup all the more important", said Vaovasamanaia.
"When I look at the teams that usually end up in the top eight of the World Cup, they're building four years out so we're a little bit behind the start line but that's okay, we're making the best of the situation.
Manu Samoa are placed in pool D of the 2023 Rugby World Cup where they will face England, Argentina and Japan.
Manu Samoa team for 2022 Pacific Nations Cup
Head Coach
Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua
Forwards
Aki Seiuli (Newport Dragons)
Alamanda Motuga (Counties Manukau)
Andrew Tuala (Waratahs)
Chris Vui (Bristol Bears)
Fritz Lee (Clermont Auvergne)
Henry Stowers (Moana Pasifika)
Jack Lam (Moana Pasifika)
Jordan Taufua (Lyon)
Kalolo Tuiloma (Rugby New York)
Marco Fepulea'I (Colorado Raptors)
Michael Alaalatoa (Leinster)
Michael Curry (Moana Pasifika)
Raymond Niuia (Moana Pasifika)
Sef Faagase (Queensland Reds)
Samuel Slade (Moana Pasifika)
Seilala Lam (Perpignan)
Theordore Mcfarland (Saracens)
Backs
AJ Alatimu (Seattle Seawolves)
Auvasa Falealii (Sydney Rams)
D'Angelo Leuila (Waikato)
Danny Toala (Moana Pasifika)
Duncan Paia'aua (Toulonnais)
Ed Fidow (Rugby New York)
Ereatara Enari (Moana Pasifika)
Henry Taefu (Moana Pasifika)
Jonathan Taumateine (Moana Pasifika)
Lolagi Visinia (Moana Pasifika)
Neria Fomai (Moana Pasifika)
Nigel Ah Wong (Kobelco Steelers)
Rodney Iona (Brumbies)