PRESS
RELEASE
MANU
SAMOA RUGBY WORLD CUP 2007
TOUR
REPORT 16
Date
24 September 2007
NANTES, Saturday’s deciding match at Nantes, which was to
decide the Manu Samoa’s chances at the quarter finals, came
to a tragic end, with the Manu Samoa succumbing to an equally
determined English side 46 – 22.
‘The
boy’s played their hearts out for their country’ exclaims
Peter Horne, the Samoa High Performance Unit Manager. “There
were opportunities available for us to score tries, but it was
case of not holding on to the last pass, that cost us dearly”
Horne further adds.
Comments
from France have been overwhelmingly positive towards the Manu
Samoa, for their passionate and committed effort displayed on
the field against the World Champions. “We may have lost
on the field, but we won the hearts of the French public and the
respect of the English supporters” says Horne.
The
team returns to Paris by train, and will commence preparations
for their last game of the World Cup against U.S.A on the 26 September
in St Eteienne.
The
following quotes were attained from members of the Manu Samoa
Management team shortly after their match against the World Champions
at Nantes..
QUOTE:
Leota Kenape Tuu’au; “We are definitely
disappointed with the results, but we have to make sure we win
our last game. We will continue to prepare well, to ensure we
perform against the U.S.A”
QUOTE:
Leasiosio Niumata Papali’i Peter Fatialofa;
“The boys showed a lot of character and pride out there,
in fact up to the 71st minute, we were still in for a chance.
We had our opportunities, but our execution at crucial times let
just us down. Wilkinson’s boot, however, made a big difference
for the English, especially when we were conceding penalties in
our half, which proved costly for us”
The
team wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks for all the prayers
and support for the team.
“E
ave atu malu i puega aemaise i lau tapuaiga Samoa-atonu o lena
foi sa e silasila ma maimoa i le taloga.
O se taaloga mataina ma lefaigata tele sa feagai ai ma au tama
fanau.
Ae lagona le mafanafana o lau Au ma le Pulega ona o a outou talosaga.
Faamalo le fai tatalo, malo le tapuai.
Atonu na tatou malolo i luga o le malae, ae na maoae foliga fiafia
ma le faamalieina o le au maimoa a Peretania ma farani ma i latou
uma sa maimoaina le taaloga.
Ia manuia tele lau Tapuaiga Samoa.
