Manu Samoa prepares for Fiji challenge

They have played out two hard fought arm wrestles so far in the 2019 Pacific Nations Cup.

However, Manu Samoa remains upbeat and positive ahead of Saturday’s much awaited showdown against a free-flowing Fijian side in Suva.

“Fiji possesses a different challenge this week with the way they play the game. Big fast men running at pace. We know it will be very physical against our Pacific neighbours. It’s an exciting challenge,” said Manu Samoa Defence Coach Tuifaasisina Alistair Rogers.

But it’s a challenge the Samoans can’t wait to take on – after a close run loss against the USA.

“There’s lots of competition in the squad and it was our intention to give others some game time versus the USA – to try out new combinations. Overall defensively I felt we worked very hard. Our defence in our half was pleasing. It showed a lot about the team’s willingness to work for each other - which is growing. We had one slip up that let them in - but overall we feel that we are moving in the right direction.”

For Pacific rugby fans the prospect of a collision-fest between hard motoring Fijian ball-runners crashing into the steely shoulders of resolute Samoan defenders is a mouth-watering one.

If Manu Samoa can apply enough pressure to force errors into Fiji’s high risk and flamboyant approach – then opportunities may open up for the visitors to counter attack with any newly won possession.

“In the transition after a turn over from defence to attack - we are looking to shift the point of attack away from the point of the turn-over and pass to someone - generally a back - running at pace to where we have an overlap or where there is a miss match between one of our backs up against a slower moving opposition forward,” said Manu Samoa Attack Coach Chris Latham.

And Chris Latham should know. His prowess as an attacking fullback is part of Australian rugby folklore. The 1999 World Cup winner scored 40 tries for the Wallabies - across a stellar international career – second only to fellow legend David Campese.

But the Wallabies great says scoring tries on the counter attack isn’t just about quick passes and fast running.

“Communication is the most important key to the success of this. Accurate loud calls are required,” said Latham.

Calls that may resonate around every TV set in Samoa – if they herald in a victory against Fiji on Saturday evening.

 

 

Photo Oceania Rugby. Caption: Manu Samoa 

     

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