Christian Leali'ifano in action for Moana Pasifika Photo: www.photosport.nz / Photosport Ltd
By Monica Miller, RNZ Pacific correspondent in Apia
Former Wallaby Christian Leali'ifano has been named in the 40-strong Manu Samoa squad to prepare for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Leali'ifano, who is the captain of Moana Pasifika, played 26 times for Australia between 2013 and 2019.
Manu Samoa head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilla Maposua has also named young flanker Miracle Fai'ilagi in a strong squad for the June Tests and Rugby World Cup preprations.
Nine debutants are named including Fai'ilagi, who had been impressive for the Moana Pasifika side in the Super Rugby Pacific series.
The majority of the team is based in the Northern Hemisphere and it includes several players who have switched allegiance to Samoa under the World Rugby eligibility rules.
Former All Blacks Lima Sopoaga, Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua have all been picked, along with former United States rep Martini Talapusi.
Former New Zealand sevens rep Tim Nanai-Williams is also there as is Europe-based former Crusaders loose Jordan Taufua, who has played for New Zealand U-20s.
Special time for the squad
Miracle Fai'ilagi in the Pasifika's change strip against the Western Force Photo: Moana Pasifika
Vaovasamanaia said he was excited by the talent in the squad.
"I am excited for what's ahead and putting in the work with the team to prepare us for a challenging pool at the Rugby World Cup, and our test matches in the pre-RWC provide opportunities to build a solid unit towards our goal.
"This is the first time Manu Samoa has assembled in Samoa since 2019, and it will be a special time for the team to be around our families, our villages and our people.
"I am happy with our plans and preparations towards the Rugby World Cup, with a schedule of matches that will test us on all fronts especially physically and mentally.
"Our pre-RWC opponents will reflect styles and team profiles similar to the teams that will be in our RWC pool. Playing them will be as much about their preparations as it is about ours."
Preparations begin in early July in Apia, with a two-week team camp.
The team then play their first test against Japan in Hokkaido on July 22.
They return home for back-to-back matches against their traditional Pacific rivals, Fiji and Tonga, on July 29 and August 5 respectively.
The official World Cup squad will be named after these games before they travel to Bayonne, France to take on Ireland.
Manu Samoa will play in Pool D against World Cup debutants Chile, Argentina, Japan and England, playing those teams in that order.
Manu Samoa squad
Forwards: Michael Alaalatoa, Brian Alainuuese, Paul Alo-Emile, Michael Curry, So'otala Fa'aso'o, Miracle Faiilagi, Charlie Faumuina, Jack Lam, Seilala Lam, Titi Lamositele, Jordan Lay, Fritz Lee, Genesis Mamea-Lemalu, Steven Luatua, Sama Malolo, Theodore McFarland, Alamanda Motuga, Ray Nuia, Taleni Seu, Samuel Slade, Sa Jordan Taufua, Luteru Tolai, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, Tietie Tuimauga, Chris Vui;
Backs: Nigel Ah Wong, Ereatara Enari, Neria Fomai, Stacey Ili, Christian Lealiifano, Alai D'Angelo Leuila, Tumua Manu, Melani Matavao, Tim Nanai-Williams, Duncan Paia'aua, Ulupano Junior Seuteni, Lima Sopoaga, Martini Talapusi, Jonathan Taumateine, Danny Toala