PRESS RELEASE

MANU SAMOA RUGBY WORLD CUP 2007

TOUR REPORT 2

Date 17th August 2007

Harlequins snatch last minute win over the Manu

Samoa 21, Harlequins 22

TWICKENHAM, LONDON: The English Club Harlequins snatched a last minute victory over
Manu Samoa scoring 22-21 after a penalty goal in the end.

The penalty, questionable to some, gave the Harlequins last minute point advantage after both teams scored three tries a piece.

In an unorthodox move Samoa ignored opportunities at goal and line outs, playing to a more experimental game plan to build combinations within the team prior to heading into September’s World Cup in France.

Samoa will not take the loss as a blow, it was however an opportunity for Samoa to test strategies in midfield and upfront to identify its key combinations.

“This is the first hit-up in four weeks and it certainly showed on the field,” Assistant Coach Papaliitele Peter Fatialofa said from London.

“We are pleased with the hit-out, and will take a lot of positives out of the match. We made a few mistakes which is to be expected with our first game back,” he added. About the game plan Papali’itele explained: “We didn’t kick for penalties nor touch at times, as we were trying to create combinations and test our boys under pressure.” Despite the loss, Samoa dominated the match in both possession and territory, however minor mistakes during the first few minutes of the match saw Harlequins catch Samoa off guard with two tries.

Samoa answered back to regain the lead with tries coming from Alesana Tuilagi, Census Johnston and Junior Polu. Utility back Gavin Williams converted all three tries. Williams was at centre for the match.

Samoa introduced an array of positional changes against the premiere London Club with mid-fielder Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu starting at first-five and speedster David Lemi featuring at fullback.

The match also saw a surprise visit from South Africa coach Jake White and former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones. Members of England’s World Cup squad were also watching attentively with Samoa regarded as the Blackhorse in what has been dubbed as the ‘Pool of Death’.

Papali’itele however has cautioned that the team does not intend to show any of its World Cup cards during the warm-up matches, therefore explaining the unconventional approach to the match. Samoa’s changes and tactics employed against the Harlequins would have had White, Jones and the English certainly scratching their heads Samoa intends to keep its cards at bay, in light of Samoa schedule to kick-start its World Cup campaign against South Africa.

Samoa will play Northampton next followed by Sale Sharks before heading off to Paris.

Manu Samoa team against the Harlequins 17 August.

1. Justin Va’a
2. Silao Vaisola
3. Census Johnston
4. Daniel Leo
5. Filipo Levi
6. Justin Purdie
7. Ulia Ulia
8. Semo Sititi
9. Junior Poluleuligaga
10. Eliota Sapolu-Fuimaono
11. Lome Fa’atau
12. Elvis Seveali’i
13. Gavin Williams
14. Alesana Tuilagi
15. David Lemi

Reserves:

16. Donald Kerslake
17. Muliufi Salanoa
18. Leo Lafaialii
19. Joe Tekori
20. Stephen So’oialo
21. Jerry Meafou
22. Lolo Lui