Manu Samoa

Fuimaono was the head coach for Manu Samoa from 2009 until 2011 Rugby World Cup.

He takes over from former coach, Namulauulu Alama Ieremia.

Namulauulu resigned after a year in the job when the team produced poor results.

Manu Samoa also missed out on qualifying for the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup and the World Cup.

Fuimaono aims to lead Manu Samoa on its Northern Hemisphere tour in November and qualification for the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Tokyo.

The 38-16 loss at Apia Park, Samoa's fourth successive test defeat, reduced them to 16th in the world rankings, their lowest position since the index was introduced in 2003.

Head coach Alama Ieremia said everyone was hurting and he accepted that all results, good or bad, ultimately came back to him.

"I'm the head coach so I take full responsibility for anything that happens in the campaign so I've got no issues with that," he said.

In his weekly Taimi ma le Palemia television program with TV1, Tuilaepa said it would be abnormal not to blame the coach especially when it comes to the Manu Samoa.

“And the Coach is always the one facing the barrel of the gun,” he added.

“When the supporters are happy the coach is the hero. When Manu Samoa loses, the coach is treated as a villain and the target of criticisms.”

But in the case of Namulauulu, the SRU Chairman is convinced that the former Manu Samoa center, who played five test games for Samoa debuting in 1992 has a lot to give to the country’s team.

With the game in the balance at 18-16 at halftime, Fijian halfback Henry Seniloli (three tries) and Ben Volavola (13 points) secured the win for the visitors.

Fiji had sealed its own qualification for the 2019 World Cup in Japan ahead of Saturday's match. But Samoa needed at least a bonus point in defeat to prevent Tonga claiming the second automatic qualifying place from Oceania.

Getting his first start for the Manu is Bay of Plenty prop Jordan Lay.

Lay's brother James is on the bench and will make his debut if gets on the field.

The other two changes sees young hooker Elia Elia get a start and experienced flanker Jack Lam returns from injury.

RNZI reports the backline remains unchanged.

Head Coach Namulauulu Alama Ieremia said he has selected a team he believes can counter a strong Fijian side that will be full of confidence.

The France-based winger, who had been on destructive mode since appearing for Fiji in the ongoing World Rugby Test series, is expected to be an impact player in the team's campaign to win the PNC.

Tonga leads the tally after two games.

Fiji Times reports a win this weekend for the Fijians will ensure we retain the annual title.

Tuisova's 7s Rio Olympics teammate and off-load king Leone Nakarawa is expected to be on his 'A'-game after showing A-grade elusive ball handling skills against the Ikale Tahi in Nuku'alofa last weekend.

He will be playing his 50th test joining an exclusive club of past players Brian Lima, To'o Vaega, Semo Sititi and current teammate Census Johnston who reached the milestone.

Lemi has come a long way since first pulling on a blue jersey with the #Samoa7s team in 2003 before his test debut in 2004.

However, a lot more is at stake for Samoa.

Samoa must get something out of their match with Fiji if they are to beat Tonga to the Oceania 2 place and avoid a battle with a European team and potentially also the repechage to qualify.

Samoa's points difference is significantly better (+31) than the 'Ikale Tahi's if they were to both finish with six competition points across the two editions of the Pacific Nations Cup.

The 'Ikale Tahi triumphed 30-26 in Nuku'alofa, in front of ten thousand fervent supporters in the first test match at Teufaiva Stadium for eight years.

RNZI reports the home side raced out to a 14-3 lead in the opening 20 minutes but Manu Samoa closed the gap to one point at half-time, courtesy of a Faifili Levave try and two more penalties from Tusi Pisi.

With the match in the balance at 20-19, halfback Sonatone Takulua completed a breakaway Tongan try from inside their own half and added the extras to make it 30-19 with half an hour to play.

In the only change to the backline, the Chiefs utility replaces D'Angelo Leuila at fullback after missing last week's 19-17 defeat by Wales in Apia through injury.

Head coach Namulauulu Alama Ieremia has also had to make some enforced changes in the front row, with Piacenza prop Nephi Leatigaga earning his first test start in place of the injured Viliamu Afatia, while veteran Census Johnston remains unavailable.