Manu Samoa to field star-studded side against Italy

Apia, SAMOA – 05 July 2024 – Manu Samoa Coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger has named a star studded side in his first team against a tough opposition in top ten rated Italy at Apia Park at 5 pm this afternoon.

Eight Moana Pasifika players have been named in the squad which is Samoa’s first match under new coach.

It is Samoa’s first international test run  since last year’s gallant efforts at the Rugby World Cup in France that started off with a dominant win over Chile and did not advance beyond pool play when it went down in close encounters to Argentina, Japan and England.

Facing top seven ranked Italy today and Spain 13 July, the start of a new international campaign is a fresh start under coach and former skipper Mase Mahonri Schwalger.

The forward pack includes players from multiple leagues around the world.

In the front row, Wales-based prop Aki Seiuli joins Moana Pasifika hooker Sama Malolo and Colomiers Rugby enforcer Marco Fepuleai. In the locks are Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee, who plays club rugby for Kamashi in Japan, and Samuel Slade.

Saracens backrower Theo McFarland will start in a formidable loose forward trio along with openside flanker Murphy Taramai and Nola Gold No. 8 Olajuwon Noa.

The Moana Pasifika halves duo of Jonathan Taumateine and Alai D’Angelo Leuila will steer Manu Samoa’s attack around the park. This is a team with genuine attacking threats out-wide including the midfield of Danny Toala and Alapati Leiua.

Nigel Ah Wong joins Counties Manukau flyer Sebastian Visinia on wings, while 2015 Australia U20s representative Duncan Paia’au starts at fullback.

Moana Pasifika have two more reps on the bench. Those players are Michael Cury and halfback Melani Matavao.

This match is scheduled to get underway at Apia Park at 5:00 pm WST.

Manu Samoa to take on Italy

1. Aki Seiuli
2. Sama Malolo
3. Marco Fepuleai
4. Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee
5. Samul Slade
6. Theo McFarland
7. Murphy Taramai
8. Olajuwon Noa
9. Jonathan Taumateine
10. Alai D’Angelo Leuila
11. Nigel Ah Wong
12. Danny Toala
13. Alapati Leiua
14. Sebastian Visinia
15. Duncan Paia’au

Replacements
16. Andrew Tuala
17. Tietie Tuimauga
18. Lolani Faleiva
19. Michael Curry
20. Iakopo Mapu
21. Melani Matavao
22. Afa Moleli
23. Stacey Ili