PRESS RELEASE
Manu Samoa Rugby World Cup 2007
Tour Report 23
Date 26 September 2007

Manu Samoa look to future after hard fought win

Paris 26 September – The Manu Samoa Rugby World Cup campaign has come to end, after a hard fought victory against the U.S.A Eagles 25 - 21 in their final pool match of the tournament at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, St Etienne.

Although the victory against a bold Eagles outfit was secured in a close 4 point margin, the Management team was nevertheless encouraged with the team’s performance. “ We needed a win, and wanted to accomplish this for not only ourselves, but for all our people back home” says Team Manager, Leota Kenape Tu’uau “ No major injuries were sustained this time around, which was also pleasing” Tu’uau also adds, in the wake of numerous injuries sustained by the Manu Samoa during the Rugby World Cup. Tu’uau was also impressed by the gritty performance put up by the Eagles and further commented “We did well in the first half, but all credit to the Eagles, they really put up a fight in the last 40 minutes.” Assistant Coach Papali’i Peter Fatialofa was equally pleased with the team saying “ I’m happy with the win. The boys showed a lot of character in the first half, although they dropped their guard in the last 40 minutes – but we’re take the win”.

La’auli Michael Jones and his Management Team will now gauge their team’s performances at this year’s Rugby World Cup in France as a stepping stone for ‘Better Things” at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

“Samoan Rugby is in good health” says a positive La’auli “We have a great crop of young players who performed admirably during the tournament. Kane Thompson, Daniel Leo, Junior Polu, Jerry Meafou, Lolo Lui and the Tuilagi Brothers are all but a few who have many more years to contribute to Samoan Rugby” La’auli further adds “The fact, that they would have grown so much from this years campaign, provides an insight on how much more capable they will be within the next few years and possibly at the next Rugby World Cup in 2011”. A sentiment echoed by the Samoa Rugby Union CEO Su’a Peter Schuster who said, “The future remains bright for Samoan Rugby, it’s a matter of taking out as much as we can from the lessons learnt here in France and to move forward.”. A determined Su’s also states “The challenge for Samoa Rugby now lays ahead for the 2011 Rugby Cup in New Zealand”.

As for Man of Match, Manu Samoa fly-half, Eliota Sapolu – Fuimaono, is also predicting greater things to come for the Manu Samoa. “ It is inevitable the Manu Samoa will be up their with the All Blacks, the Springboks, and the Wallabies. We have so much talent coming through, and with more development and resources, it’s only a matter of time.

A special moment for the Manu Samoa came at the end of their match against the U.S.A eagles, when the Manu Samoa received a riveting standing ovation by all at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. A testament of the tremendous support the French have heaped on the Manu Samoa. “The way the people of France have supported us throughout the World Cup has been humbling, and to receive such a farewell ovation from the crowd was truly overwhelming – a moment we can be all proud of “ says Su’a Peter Schuster.
The Manu Samoa have been crowd favorites for the fanatical French supporters and have embraced our boys in blue as their second Les Bleurs at the Rugby World Cup.

Initial thoughts in reflection of his teams Rugby World Cup campaign Coach La’auli Michael Jones comments on his disappointment at not being able to achieve what he and his Management Team had set out to accomplish for their proud Rugby Nation, “The potential was always there for the Manu Samoa to achieve that much more in France, we just weren’t able to apply the potential that we all know we are capable of for the full 80 minutes required” says La’auli Michael Jones.

In acknowledging the tremendous support from all back home in Samoa, La’auli wishes to covey his heartfelt gratitude, “Thank You Samoa for all your prayers and support, we have not reached the promised land yet, but the platform is there for Samoa Rugby to achieve the success it truly deserves”.

The team will travel to Paris from St Etienne, and will prepare to return home to Samoa.