Manu Samoa

The former Highlanders and London Irish midfielder, who played 26 tests in the blue jersey, was appointed to the top job in August and has spent the past four weeks assessing the local talent on island.

The Manu did not take the field this year because of Covid-19 but Mapusua said the lack of international rugby had allowed him to dedicate more time to the grass roots.

The former international teammates have signed two year deals after their appointments were endorsed by the Samoa Rugby Union Board.

Former Highlanders and London Irish Mapusua is light on head coaching experience - having led the Otago Under 19s in New Zealand for the past two years - but former Manu Samoa halfback Tino Junior Poluleuligaga said the news was refreshing.

Tino said Mapusua was an intelligent coach and believed he wouldn't be out of his depth.

Applications to succeed Steve Jackson close today, although the job description states the successful candidate must have a minimum of five years coaching experience at Super Rugby or an equivalent level.

The former Blues assistant coach Jackson managed only three wins from 11 matches during his 15 months stint in charge and the New Zealander has since been appointed head coach of Japan's Shimizu Blue Sharks.

Chairman of Moata'a Rugby and former Manu Samoa sevens player, Falepauga Filipo Saena said it was time to have a coach deep-rooted in the Samoan culture.

His rugby career has included 60 tests, 13 years of international rugby, nine professional teams, three World Cups and one Heineken Cup title.

The Auckland-born front rower, who has called France home for the past 11 years, admits it's a decision that had been in the pipeline for a few years.

"I've just been fortunate enough to pick up a few contracts still and get offers so I've decided to guts it out and take them and probably knew I was going to finish up a few months back."

The Manu Sevens were pipped 19-17 by England in the playoff for third place after being outclassed 38-7 by eventual winners South Africa in the Cup semi-finals.

Samoa had earlier beaten Australia 19-14 in the quarter finals after finishing second in their group behind tournament runners-up New Zealand.

Captain Tomasi Alosio was named in the tournament Dream Team as the Samoans recorded their best result in Dubai since winning the season-opening event in 2012.

The 31 year old, who played the first of his 37 tests in 2013, is out of contract after being released by the Bristol Bears in May.

Lam, who had been at the club since 2014, captained the side in the early part of the 2016-17 English Premiership campaign but was one of 11 players to be shown the door by his coach and cousin Pat Lam, including fellow Samoa international Tusi Pisi.

He received offers from a couple of clubs in France but said he turned them down in order to play for Samoa.

"It was a no-brainer for me.

The 29 year old moved to Ireland five years ago and has played 22 tests for his adopted nation since 2017.

Manu captain Jack Lam said they knew Aki but would't be paying him any more attention than the rest of the Irish team.

"No special presents for him, he'll get the same treatment as everyone else. Most of the boys are pretty close with Bundee - a couple of boys have seen him during the week - so we're still friends off the field but once everyone crosses the line they're all the same," Lam said.

Logovi'i Mulipola replaces Jordan Lay at loosehead prop, with coach Steve Jackson expecting a fierce battle up front against the Irish.

"We thought Jordan Lay played extremely well against Japan but we've gone for Logovi'i Mulipola this week to just give that little bit of certainty at scrum time," he said.

"Jordan is fantastic around the field and we'll probably give away a little in that area but we just want to make sure our set piece is strong and solid."

For Timothy Lafale this game was different.

The Japanese midfielder had played 20 test matches prior to last weekend. He'd played against England, France and Ireland. He'd played against the Wallabies, the Springboks and even scored two tries against the All Blacks.

But never against Samoa, the country where he was born 28 years ago and spent the first few years of his life. The country his birth parents still call home.

Scores were tied at 6-all when Samoan flanker TJ Ioane was yellow carded for a late no-arms tackle on Kotaro Matsushima in the 25th minute.

It only took two minutes for the Brave Blossoms to capitalise on their one-man advantage as Samoa-born centre Tim Lafaele crossed for the opening try of the game.