ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Manu Samoa to unleash former All Black and Wallaby against Japan

BY Philip Bendon  ·  Friday Jul 21, 2023

South Pacific Island nation Samoa will continue their build-up to Rugby World Cup 2023 this weekend when they face Japan.

ADVERTISEMENT

Playing at the incredible Sapporo Dome in Hokkaido, Japan, the two sides will be looking to lay down a marker ahead of their Pool D match at the World Cup later this year.

For Samoa, they welcome two highly experienced internationals to their ranks for their fixture as they utilise the latest World Rugby eligibility laws.

In the front row World Cup winning All Black Charlie Faumuina will make his Samoa debut at 36-years-old.

Making the last of his 50 appearances for New Zealand in 2017, the 136kg Tighthead currently plays for French Top 14 Champions Toulouse. His experience should prove invaluable should he make it to the World Cup where Samoa will face scrummaging powerhouses England and Argentina.

Behind the pack, Christian Leali’ifano will make his debut at flyhalf. The 35-year-old played the last of his 26 games for Australia in 2019 and has played for Moana Pasifika in the past two Super Rugby competitions.

A sharp shooting goal kicker and controlled playmaker, the former Brumbies star will play a key role in bringing the exciting Samoan backline into the game.

ADVERTISEMENT

Outside Leali’ifano is former Australian U20 star Ulupano Seuteni who is fresh off winning a Heineken Champions Cup with La Rochelle. The centre scored a crucial try for the French powerhouse in their remarkable comeback against Irish side Leinster.

Manu Samoa: 15 Danny Toala, 14 Neria Foma’i, 13 Ulupano Seuteni, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Tumua Manu, 10 Christan Leali’iafano, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 So’otala Fa’aso’o, 7 Alamanda Motuga, 6 Taleni Seu, 5 Michael Curry, 4 Brian Alainu’uese, 3 Paul Alo-Emile (c), 2 Luteru Tolai, 1 Jordan Lay

Replacements: 16 Ray Nivia, 17 Tietie Tuimauga, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Genesis Mamea-Lemalu, 20 Miracle Fai’ilagi, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Martini Talapusi, 23 Ed Fidow

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 42 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Gray to exit Exeter Chiefs with immediate...

  • 42 WEEKS AGO

    Former Connacht hooker shares brilliant rugby...

  • 42 WEEKS AGO

    Official calls halt to play amidst double-call...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Flying frenchman scores tremendous try for Toulon

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Young England hopeful continues to impress with double against Stade Français

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Full throttle Premiership final rematch ends in heartache

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    SHOCK results in the PWR keeps top four race thrilling

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

View All

Funnies

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All

Amateur

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 109 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 109 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 132 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

View All

Player Features

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    The Capuozzo try that jump-started Italy's victory

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

View All