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.
