Samoa name extended training squad

Manu Samoa have revised their extended training squad ahead of the All Black test and the Pacific Nations Cup. Of the original 58 names released in April, 44 have been retained, with that number to be reduced to 26 for the week leading up to the historic match in Apia.

Ti’i Paulo is the third senior player to announce his international retirement this year, the Clermont hooker joining Census Johnston and Daniel Leo in calling an end to their test careers only a few months out from the World Cup. Leo had recently spoken openly about Pacific Island players being offered greater professional contracts to turn down appearances at the tournament.

A direct replacement for Paulo has emerged in the form of Hurricanes hit man Motu Matu’u, who has declared himself eligible for Samoa after being overlooked for a spot with the All Blacks. A knee injury suffered last week while on Super Rugby duty has ruled him out of July’s matches, but he is expected to be fully fit in time to take part in the World Cup.

Stade Francais fullback Paul Williams and giant Leicester prop Logovi’i Mulipola are also injured and left out of the squad, but both are also expected to be back in action in August.

Samoa have suffered a real blow in the midfield as Wasps three quarter Alapati Leiua has been ruled out of the World Cup, his own knee problem more serious than anticipated and requiring surgical repair. He joins Piula Fa’asalele on the long-term injury list.

Albert Anae, Peter Saili, Pita Semeane, Jack Taulapapa, Winston Stanley, Anitele’a Tuilagi, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Titi Esau, and Henry Suau’u have all been cut by head coach Stephen Betham. Former Auckland Blues back row Saili is the biggest surprise of that group, as he had been expected to challenge strongly for a starting position in the team.

FORWARDS
Viliamu Afatia (Agen), Jake Grey (SCOPA), James Johnston (Saracens), Anthony Perenise (Bristol), Aniseko Sio (Leicester), Sakaria Taulafo (Stade Francais), Ole Avei (Bordeaux), Manu Leiataua (Aurillac), Andrew Williams (Marist St. Joseph’s), Fa’atiga Lemalu (Sanix), Maselino Paulino (Waikato), Filo Paulo (Cardiff Blues), Joe Tekori (Toulouse), Kane Thompson (Newcastle), Oneone Fa’afou (Vaiala), Maurie Fa’asavalu (Oyonnax), Alafoti Fa’osiliva (Bath), Francis Ieremia (Moata’a), T.J. Ioane (Sale), Jack Lam (Bristol), Faifili Levave (Toyota Verblitz), Ofisa Treviranus (London Irish), Taiasina Tuifu’a (Bordeaux), Vavae Tuilagi (Carcassonne)

BACKS
Vavao Afemai (Vaiala), Pele Cowley (Suburbs), Kahn Fotuali’i (Northampton), Patrick Fa’apale (Vaiala), Tusi Pisi (Suntory), Mike Stanley (Ulster), Faialaga Afamasaga (SCOPA), Reynold Lee-Lo (Hurricanes), Johnny Leota (Sale), George Pisi (Northampton), Alofa Alofa (La Rochelle), Faleniu Iosi (Moata’a), David Lemi (Bristol), Paul Perez (Natal), Ken Pisi (Northampton), Sinoti Sinoti (Newcastle), Alesana Tuilagi (Newcastle), Fa’atoina Autagavaia (Nevers), Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs), Ahsee Tuala (Northampton)

FIXTURES
July 8 – v New Zealand, Apia Park (14:00 Apia)
July 18 – v USA, Avaya Stadium (tba San Jose)
July 24 – v Fiji, Bonney Field (tba Sacramento)
July 29 – v Canada, BMO Field (20:30 Toronto)
August 3 – v TBD, Swangard Stadium (tba Burnaby)