Manusina miss out on World Series spot

​The Samoa women's sevens team admit they must get fitter after being well off the pace at the World Series qualifying tournament in Dublin.

The Mansina conceded 108 points in losing all three pool matches against Wales, Brazil and Japan.

Things didn't get much better on day two, as they fell to Columbia 12-5 before salvaging some pride with a 22-0 win over Mexico in the 11th place playoff to avoid the wooden spoon.

Team manager Toleafoa Mara Hunter says it was an eye-opening experience.

"Seeing the level of competition and the level of fitness and skills that most of the teams have reached, it's safe to say that we can understand why we haven't done so well. It's always difficult to encourage players from the islands to try hard in terms of fitness, skills and so forth but seeing it first hand they absolutely realise it's a completely different level that we're at now with women's rugby sevens, particularly with all the big countries vying for medals in the Olympics".

Toleafoa Mara Hunter says the Manusina might consider playing against men's age-grade teams in Samoa to ensure they get more matches against teams of a high enough standard.

Meanwhile Ireland and Japan secured the two core team places on the upcoming World Series, with Japan winning the qualifying event 13-12 in the final.