PRESS RELEASE

MANU SAMOA RUGBY WORLD CUP 2007

TOUR REPORT 19

Date 24 September 2007

Samoa look to soar above Eagles


PARIS, 24 September - His side may have lost all their IRB Rugby World Cup 2007 matches so far, but Samoa head coach La’auli Michael La’auli still hopes they can turn it on when they face USA in Saint-Etienne on Wednesday.

At a press conference to announce the team at the Stade de Courbevoie on Monday La’auli admitted the back-to-back losses against South Africa, Tonga and England had taken their toll.

"We're very disappointed, and we're not trying to hide that disappointment either," he said.

"We're very disappointed for our Samoan people, all over the world but particularly in Samoa, we really wanted to do well for them."

With nearly a dozen players lost to injury from the 30-strong squad, La’auli has called 19-year-old Naama Leleimalefaga on to the bench.

Elvis Seveali'i has been named at inside centre, replacing veteran Brian Lima who has received a 3 week suspension for a dangerous tackle.

Lima was cited for a dangerous tackle against England star Jonny Wilkinson during the match in Nantes on Saturday.

La’auli has named Junior Polu at scrum half, despite fears he would be unable to play due to an injury sustained in the same match.

"It turned out not to be concussion. I think it was exhaustion," La’auli said. "They've examined him thoroughly and he's fine."

He described the injuries suffered by the team as "freak accidents".

"They've been fractured eye sockets, broken ribs, a broken wrist - I can't even remember them all."
"It hasn't helped our cause. For us saying goodbye all the time isn't good for us either. We're a very tight team, but the best teams in the world would struggle losing guys like we have. It has a big impact on a team like ours, but I don't want to make that an excuse."

Despite not making the quarter-finals La’auli said his side remained upbeat and was looking forward to the match against USA.

"There's a wonderful spirit and sense of unity in the team. We're focusing on finishing the job well for Samoa."