Rugby World Cup 2023 Preview: ‘BIG GUNS’ Boister Samoa’s World Cup Hopes

Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Eti Sualauvi II and the Manu Samoa Management and Squad

by Tuifa’asisina Peter Rees

Head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua has assembled one of the most powerful squads in years as Manu Samoa heads into its ninth Rugby World Cup in France. The team will warm up for the tournament with the Pacific Nations Cup before they depart for Europe.

Lakapi Samoa has given the most of changes to rugby’s eligibility laws and recruiting several high-profile players to bolster Samoa’s World Cup hopes and aspirations to reach the knock-out stages for the first time since 1995. The addition of former All Blacks such as Lima Sopoaga, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua and former Wallabies pivot Christian Lealiifano will add experience to a team already brimming with talent. The likes of Fritz Lee and Jordan Taufua who were once on the fringe of All Blacks selection, and former USA prop Titi Lamositele, who played for the Eagles in the last World Cup, adds even more quality and selection options for Mapusua.

Samoa are drawn in Pool D where they will face Chile, Argentina, Japan and 2003 World Cup winners England. On paper, Samoa has a team capable of grabbing the second quarterfinal qualifying spot from Pool D. How the team gels over the coming weeks starting with the Pacific Nations Cup with two home games against Fiji and Tonga will be crucial before departing for France, where they are set to play in a tough pre-World Cup warm up game against the current world number one ranked team, Ireland.

The 40-man squad is heavily forward focused with only 15 backs chosen. Such is the versatility of the squad, and the depth Samoa now has, especially in the inside backs.

Players to Watch:

Lima Sopoaga – Papa Sataua, Sa’anapu

Lima Sopoaga – Papa Sataua, Sa’anapu:
Ever since he left New Zealand rugby, many Samoan rugby fans have waited to see if Lima Sopoaga would make himself available for Manu Samoa. This anticipation intensified when World Rugby paved the way with changes to the eligibility laws. While he played mostly at first 5/8 for the Highlanders and All Blacks during his time in New Zealand, Sopoaga has often featured at fullback for Wasps and Lyon and could turn out in the same role for Manu Samoa, sharing the role with incumbent, Danny Toala who wore the #15 jersey last year.

Ulupano Junior Seuteni – Samusu, Malie

Ulupano Junior Seuteni – Samusu, Malie:
The versatile La Rochelle backline star has been in impressive form in Europe and with the depth now in the inside backs, this will allow the talented Seuteni to focus on cementing a spot in the centres, where he prefers to be.
This will be his second World Cup after previously featuring in the #10 jersey for Samoa and his ball skills and superb running game could add another dimension for Samoa out wide.

Christian Lealiifano – Magiagi, Letogo

Christian Lealiifano – Magiagi, Letogo:
For many years, the pivot role has been a weakness for Manu Samoa. Suddenly, head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua is blessed with the talents of former All Black Lima Sopoaga and now, former Wallabies playmaker Christian Lealiifano. D’Angelo Leuila, UJ Seuteni and Duncan Paia’aua are also capable of filling in the 10 jersey if needed. However, the veteran Lealiifano seems certain to win that role with his recent good form for Moana Pasifika. His calm game management, kicking skills, and experience is exactly what Manu Samoa needs in World Cup year.

Steven Luatua – Saleimoa, Malie

Steven Luatua – Saleimoa, Malie:
Former All Black Steven Luatua adds more than just experience to the team. He gives coach Seilala Mapusua another leader in the forwards, another world class lineout option, and his versatility at being able to slot in at blindside flanker and lock. The rangy 6’5” (1.96m) former Blues forward has been a mainstay for Bristol in the English Premiership under coach Pat Lam and is set to make his long-awaited debut after pulling out from Manu Samoa selection through injury last year.

Michael Alaalatoa – Fasito’o-uta, Matatufu

Michael Alaalatoa – Fasito’o-uta, Matatufu:
The son of Manu Samoa legend Vili Alaalatoa captained Manu Samoa last year and his good form for Irish team Leinster puts him as a frontrunner to lead the team again. But the Australia-raised tighthead prop faces stiff competition this year with the front row bolstered by former All Blacks Charlie Faumuina, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen and former USA Eagles prop, Titi Lamositele.

Rugby World Cup 2023 Schedule for Manu Samoa:

• vs Chile in Bordeaux on 16th September
• vs Argentina in Saint Etienne on 22nd September
• vs Japan in Toulouse on 28th September
• vs England in Lille on 7th October

Did You Know?

• Manu Samoa qualified as the 13th team for Rugby World Cup France 2023 after winning a doubleheader against Tonga (42-13, 37-15) during World Cup qualifications in 2021.
• This will be Manu Samoa’s ninth World Cup. Samoa has competed in every World Cup since 1991 after not receiving an invitation to the inaugural tournament in 1987.
• Manu Samoa is drawn in Pool D for RWC 2023 with Chile, Argentina, RWC 2015 hosts Japan and RWC 2003 winners England.
• Manu Samoa are two-time World Cup quarterfinalists in RWC 1995 and RWC 1991.
• Samoa made its World Cup debut on 6 October, 1991 vs Wales at Cardiff Arms Park. Samoa won 16-13.
• Most RWC appearances: Brian Lima, 18. Lima was the first player in world rugby to play in five World Cups.
• Most RWC tries: Brian Lima, 10

Hon. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Hon. Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Seuula Ioane and the Manu Samoa Management and Squad