Manu Samoa

The Manu beat Tonga 42-13 in the first of two qualifying matches, with the overall aggregate winner to seal their spot in France in two years time.

Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua's side have a 29 point buffer heading into Saturday's second test against the 'Ikale Tahi in Hamilton but the former Manu midfielder is adamant they won't be taking anything for granted.

After a physical but low-scoring first half, Samoa took a 6-3 lead into the break, with two Henry Taefu penalties offset by one from Tongan halfback Sonatane Takulua.

Taefu slotted another penalty soon after the restart, then hooker Ray Niuia was on hand out wide to finish some strong running and slick passing with Samoa's first try.

Five minutes later flanker Alamanda Motuga crashed over from close range to extend Samoa's lead to 21-3, only for Tonga to hit back almost immediately with a try to replacement flanker Villami Taulani.

Samoa go into the match having suffered back-to-back defeats to the New Zealand Māori, but put in an improved 38-21 effort in last weekend's encounter, compared to their 35-10 defeat the week prior.

Meanwhile Tonga will be looking to put last week's 102-0 defeat to the All Blacks behind them.

Manu Samoa coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua said there's a few bumps and bruises from their last two outings, but it's nothing the blue jersey can't fix.

Head Coach Seilala Mapusua has also made two changes to his starting 15 that took on the Maori All Blacks just last week.

Olajuwon Noa will start at blindside flanker in his debut for the side.

Tietie Tuimauga has retained his starting spot at loosehead prop. 

The other new players are Neela Fomai, Tomasi Alosio, Jonah Aoina, Theo Mcfarlene and Jonathan Taumateine.
The reserve list features Seilala Lam and Ed Fidow finally getting their chance to don the blue jersey after completing their Managed Isolation Quarantine two weeks ago. 

Skipper Ash Dixon's 22nd minute try from a rolling maul broke the deadlock, but Samoa hit back barely two minutes later.

First five-eighth Rodney Iona sparked the initial break, before finding winger Neria Fomai out wide on the left.

The scoreline remained at 7-7 until six minutes from halftime, when centre Billy Proctor's offload found Jonah Lowe who had too much pace for the cover defence.

The Māori All Blacks extended their lead right on the hooter, awarded a penalty try after Samoan flanker Sam Slade was yellow carded for a maul infringement

The players, who recently took part in the Olympic qualifiers in Monaco, are among 72 people who were denied travel on a repatriation flight to New Zealand last Friday.

The passengers will now have to wait until 27 July for a confirmed date to travel back home.

Pacific Rugby Players Welfare CEO and former Samoa rugby player, Dan Leo posted the current situation faced by the national teams on Twitter.

The Maori scored five tries to one and led 21-7 at half time in an empty Sky Stadium.

Shaun Stevenson touched down twice while his Chiefs team-mate Sean Wainui also scored in the first half.

Captain Ash Dixon and number eight Whetukamokamo Douglas scored second half tries, while Otere Black and Josh Ioane were perfect with the boot.

While the Maori side was stacked with Super Rugby players, Samoa featured a largely New Zealand based side featuring 11 debutants.

While the game will be played without fans it will still have a big impact on the players.

For some of the Māori players it might be the highest honour they achieve and it also gives them another chance to connect with their heritage.

And for Samoa it's a chance for the side to get together, something that doesn't happen often enough.

A win over the 2005 British and Irish Lions would go down as one of the Māori All Blacks most memorable victories in recent years, along with wins over Ireland and England.

Props Albert Anae and Kalolo Tuiloma will make their international debut in the front row, either side of Blues hooker Ray Niuia.

Counties Manukau lock Samuel Slade and Hunter Wildfires number eight Olajuwon Noa are the other new faces in the forward pack, while Samoa sevens internationals Neria Fomai, Losi Filipo and Tomasi Alosio all debut out wide.

Former New Zealand Under 20s hooker JP Sauni is also set to make his first test appearance off the bench, alongside Otago prop Jonah Aoina and Samoa-based duo Theo McFarland and Elisapeta Alofipo.

Sky Stadium said all tickets for Saturday's clash against the Māori All Blacks will be refunded.

Manu Samoa coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua, said they're looking forward to their first game in New Zealand but disappointed that their fans won't be able to see them play.

Saturday's clash will be Samoa's first taste of international rugby since the 2019 World Cup, while they last played in Wellington back in 2004.