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An extended squad of 40 players are currently in training with the Samoa ‘A’ squad in preparation for the Americas Pacific Challenge. All but two players have been selected from the Bluesky Super 9, Samoa’s regional high performance domestic competition.
Included are eight players with test experience. Former Samoa Sevens captain Afa Aiono is named as a hooker after winning 8 caps as a flanker, with 14-cap flyhalf Patrick Fa’apale one of two players who were part of the team that beat Germany in the World Cup Qualifiers along with scrumhalf Ionatana Tino.
Loose forwards Levi Asifa’amatala and Lio Lolo, midfielder Tulolo Tulolo, and fullback Tila Mealoi each have one full international cap. Melbourne Rebels development squad lock Potu Leavasa Jr. and Auckland-based flyhalf D’Angelo Leuila, a winner of 8 caps, are the only players named from abroad.
Four players from the recent World Rugby u20 Trophy finals team are in contention. Hooker Albert Onelai is joined by two scrumhalves in Pupi Ah See and Norman Uili. Mobile lock forward Iosafatu Mareko has been named as back row forward.
Samoa will play against the second senior sides of Argentina, Tonga, and Uruguay in Montevideo. The tournament kicks off on October 6.
A detailed squad list can be seen here.
SAMOA ‘A’ EXTENDED SQUAD
PROP: Ueselani Aima’asu (Chiefs), Jake Leifi (Eels), Alofa’aga Sao (Vikings), Rodney Tapu (Eels), Brook To’omalatai (Eels), Tuaniu Tuaniu (Navigators)
HOOKER: Afa Aiono (Chiefs), Leo Brown (Eels), Albert Onelai (Eels)
SECOND ROW: Ioelu Kitiona (Warriors), Potu Leavasa Jr. (Endeavour Hills, AU), Ikifusi Matamu (Vikings), Mikaele Tapili (Chiefs), Elia Tolufale (Chiefs)
BACK ROW: Levi Asifa’amatala (Tornadoes), Joseph Fuimaono (Vikings), Lio Lolo (Chiefs), Phillip Luki (Eels), Fagu Malloy (Eels), Jacob Mapu (Chiefs), Iosafatu Mareko (Chiefs), Lester Sefo (Navigators)
SCRUMHALF: Pupi Ah See (Chiefs), Fa’alele Iosua (Legends), Ionatana Tino (Eels), Norman Uili (Eels)
FLYHALF: Patrick Fa’apale (Eels), Manaia Iamanu (Tornadoes), D’Angelo Leuila (Papatoetoe, NZ)
MIDFIELD: Iati Iati (Chiefs), Gordon Lemisio (Eels), Johnny Samuelu (Warriors), Tulolo Tulolo (Chiefs)
OUTSIDE BACKS: La’aloi Leilua (Legends), Tila Mealoi (Legends), Ricky Osa (Vikings), Ivan Safua (Eels), Paulo Scanlan (Eels), Mesala Seumalo (Chiefs), Johnny Vaili (Chiefs)
