Samoa name Kaino in APC squad

Samoa have enlisted the services of Bruce Kaino for the Americas Pacific Challenge. The 27-year-old younger brother of All Black veteran Jerome will see his first taste of international rugby after playing professionally in New Zealand, France, and Australia. Kaino is one of six players based outside of Samoa added to the 28-man ‘A’ squad that were not in the original training squad.

Five players have been called from New Zealand. Prop Setu Enoka, scrumhalf Danny Tusitala, three quarter Harry Luteru, midfielder Alefosio Tapili, and fullback Bradford Lemalufaito’aga are all included. Tusitala is one of five fully capped players included having recently returned from a stint in the French Pro D2 with Aurillac. Tapili gets the nod after impressing on the HSBC Sevens Series.

Samoa will play against the second senior sides of Argentina, Tonga, and Uruguay in Montevideo. A detailed squad list can be seen here.

FORWARDS
Ueselani Aima’asu (Chiefs), Setu Enoka (Takapuna, NZ), Rodney Tapu (Eels), Brook To’omalatai (Eels), Tuaniu Tuaniu (Navigators), Afa Aiono (Chiefs), Leo Brown (Eels), Potu Leavasa (Endeavour Hills, AU), Ikifusi Matamu (Vikings), Mikaele Tapili (Chiefs), Joseph Fuimaono (Vikings), Bruce Kaino (Wests, AU), Fagu Malloy (Eels), Jacob Mapu (Chiefs), Elia Togitele (Chiefs)

BACKS
Fa’alele Iosua (Legends), Ionatana Tino (Eels), Danny Tusitala (Ponsonby, NZ), Patrick Fa’apale (Eels), D’Angelo Leuila (Papatoetoe, NZ), Harry Luteru (Karaka, NZ), Johnny Samuelu (Warriors), Alefosio Tapili (Ardmore Marist, NZ), Ivan Safua (Eels), Paulo Scanlan (Eels), Mesala Seumalo (Chiefs), Bradford Lemalufaito’aga (Papatoetoe, NZ), Johnny Vaili (Chiefs)