Lima Sopoaga to start for Manu Samoa against the Barbarians

Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 17 AUGUST 2023: Former All Blacks fly half Lima Sopoaga is playing his first game for Samoa starting at No 10 against the Barbarians at Stade Amedee-Domenech, Brive, France 7.45am, Saturday 19 August Samoan time.

Also playing his first game for Samoa is Ben Lam on the wing.

Head Coach, Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua’s lineup reflects a strategic blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent. With a focus on teamwork, versatility, and a commitment to the sport’s values, the selected players are poised to deliver an exceptional performance on the field.

“Our lineup for the Barbarians match presents a great opportunity for more game time for the team as we prepare for the Rugby World Cup,” said Vaovasamanaia.

“It brings together an exceptional group of athletes that will work together to find combinations and familiarize themselves with playing in France. After a long journey from home, the team is ready to take on the Barbarians on what will be a tough match.”

The Barbarians are coached by former Manu Samoa captain Pat Lam and promises to be a thrilling display of top-tier rugby talent and sportsmanship.

It will be the second time Manu Samoa will play against the Barbarians and this game was supposed to be played in England in 2021 but was postponed due to the Covid pandemic.

MATCH DETAILS
Date: Friday 18 August 2023
Time: 8:45pm in Brive and 7.45am Saturday 19 August in Samoa
Location: Stade Amedee-Domenech, Brive

Manu Samoa vs Barbarians line-up:

1. Jordan Lay
   2. Seilala Lam
   3. Michael Alaalatoa (cc)
   4. Brian Alainu’u’ese
   5. Theodore McFarland
   6. Steven Luatua
   7. Alamanda Motuga
   8. So’otala Faaso’o
   9. Melani Matavao
   10. Lima Sopoaga*
   11. Ben Lam*
   12. Tumua Manu
   13. Neria Fomai
   14. Nigel Ah Wong
   15. Danny Toala
   16. Luteru Tolai
   17. James Lay
   18. Paul Alo-Emile
   19. Chris Vui (cc)
   20. Sa Jordan Taufua
   21. Ereatara Sotiaka Enari
   22. Christian Lealiifano
   23. Ed Fidow

* Denotes first cap for Samoa

FACTS ABOUT MANU SAMOA vs BARBARIANS

1. This will be the second time, Manu Samoa plays the Barbarians
2. The first encounter was Pre-RWC2015 when Barbarians met Manu Samoa at Olympic Stadium, Stratford, England. Barbarians won 27-24
3. Christian Lealiifano played for the Barbarians in the first match in 2015 having played against Jack Lam and Tim Nanai-Willliams. Roles have reversed and Lealiifano wearing the blue jersey will face off Lam and Nanai-Williams as the Barbarians.
4. Manu Samoa was scheduled to play the Barbarians in 2021 in England but the match was later called off two hours from kick-off due to a Covid-19 breakout within the Barbarians camp.