Manu Samoa

  Samoa fell short 13-17 against the world number one side just less than two hours after Fiji beat England 30-22.

Former Samoa center and head coach Seilala Mapusua says they were inspired by Fiji’s historic Twickenham win.

Samoa came close to claiming their own historic win against World No.1s Ireland, only to ultimately fall to a 17-13 defeat in miserable conditions in Bayonne.

The Samoans lost a tough clash against world number one Ireland 17-13 in Bayonne early Sunday morning, after leading 10-7 at half-time.

And the Flying Fijians have climbed to seventh spot on the world rugby ranking after their first-ever win over England.

They have jumped ahead of England, Australia and Wales, heading into the world meet with their best-ever ranking. Samoa remain in 12th place.

Samoans close to causing a shock

Manu Samoa had their chances to cause a big upset against Ireland in the later stages of the game.

British rugby writer Brendan Gallagher said in The Rugby Paper that Samoa was one of the Pacific Island nations that would benefit from players 'giving back' to the island of their heritage. And it was for 'love and dedication' because the islands did not have a lot of money to attract the players.

"The new ruling has already galvanised Samoan rugby in particular, and that seems fair enough because the mighty Samoan rugby culture has been bolstering the arsenals of many other nations around the world for decades.

The match is an additional to Samoa’s world cup build up and was just confirmed last month after their first game against Japan.

The Manu Samoa squad boasts an impressive lineup with a heavy French accent, with no less than 13 players plying their trade in the Top 14 league. There will also be southern hemisphere club interest too, with the likes of Christian Lealiano and Lima Sopoaga also set to star after making the switch thanks to World Rugby’s new eligibility laws.

The Barbarians side will be coached by Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam.

Fans followed the team's bus all the way through Apia city and cheered the players on as they made their way to the airport's departure lounge, the Samoa Observer reported.

The Samoans, like their Pacific neighbours Fiji, have made an early move across to France to acclimitise, while also playing warm-up matches there.

Manu Samoa will meet a United Kingdonm Barbarians next week and Ireland in their pre-World Cup final hit ups.

That was the word from Samoa Rugby Union (Lakapi Samoa) chairman and former prime minister Tuilaʻepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi as he announced a 32-member squad to take the country to France.

He told the players that they are privileged to be selected and they must remember the flag that reminds them of their freedom.

"This is the only way, the only way that we can raise our flag and remind ourselves that we are proud Samoans," he said.

Bristol loose forward Vui and Leinster prop Alaalatoa were included in a 32-man squad for the tournament starting in France on September 9, with one player still to be confirmed.

Coach Seilala Mapuusa named three former New Zealand internationals -- fly-half Lima Sopoaga, flanker Steven Luatua and prop Charlie Faumuina -- while fly-half Christian Leali'ifano represented Australia at the 2019 World Cup.

Waratahs forward Taleni Seu has also been included after a strong season for the NSW side.

Manufacturer of the sporting kits for the national team, Macron Rugby explained “The blue of the Pacific Ocean, the flight of the seagulls, and the resilience of the Samoan people represented through the symbols and the design of the new @manu.samoa Home and Alternate kits for the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2023.”

Meanwhile, Samoa will be out to win their next game when they will be hosting Tonga in Apia on Saturday.

The Seilala Mapusua coached side lost to Fiji 19-33 last week after winning against Japan 24-22.

 Despite their win, Raiwalui acknowledges the need for a thorough review and improvement.

He also commends Samoa for their strong performance on home ground.

The team is now fully focused on their clash with Japan, scheduled to take place in Tokyo next Saturday.

The debutants are Steven Luatua, Sama Malolo and Titi Lamositete.

Luatua plays for Bristol Bears but has previously competed for Auckland and the Blues. He also played for Samoa and New Zealand’s youth teams and has won caps for the All Blacks.

 The 32-year-old is versatile and is able to play at No. 8, flanker and lock. He plays predominantly at No 8 for Bristol.

Malolo plays for the San Diego Legion of Major League Rugby (MLR). His position of choice is hooker.