Changes to Samoa training squad ahead of RWC

Manu Samoa coach Steve Jackson has made a number of changes to his training squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup. Six players who appeared in the Pacific Nations Cup have been dropped, with seven added including a pair of uncapped Super Rugby standouts. With 34 players named, three more will miss out on the flagship tournament that begins next month.

Crusaders tighthead prop Michael Ala’alatoa – whose brother Allan is in the Australia squad – is set to make the trip to Japan with only five props remaining in the squad. He replaces local youngster Alofa’aga Sao, while Harlequins hooker Elia Elia is a surprise exclusion.

The other Super Rugby player is Queensland Reds scrumhalf Scott Malolua, one of two halfbacks called up. Incumbent starter Melani Matavao has recovered from injury to join up with the team. Dropping out are PNC pair Pele Cowley and Auvasa Faleali’i. Both Malolua and Ala’alatoa previously represented Samoa at u20 level.

A third new cap is named in World Sevens Series forward Tofatu Solia. The dynamic flanker missed out on the PNC due to injury, his recall coming at the expense of Sevens teammate Alamanda Motuga. Former Samoa Sevens captain Afa Aiono is recalled as a loose forward after trialing as a hooker with Samoa ‘A’.

Josh Tyrell joins up with the group, having impressed with the Doncaster Knights at both lock and No8 during the 2018-19 season. He will make the move to French club Oyonnax following the World Cup. Heading in the opposite direction is winger Ed Fidow, who leaves Provence for Worcester Warriors. JJ Taulagi and Johnny Vaili are both dropped from the training squad.

Adding further experience is Clermont Auvergne utility back Tim Nanai-Williams, with 37-year-old Tusi Pisi in line to make his third World Cup appearance. The latter will be staying in Japan should he be included, having signed for the Toyota Shuttles after bidding farewell to Bristol.

There remain several notable absentees from the Samoan squad. Among those already capped are new Leicester tighthead Nephi Leatigaga and the experienced loosehead Viliamu Afatia who is joining Bayonne. Locks Joe Tekori, Brandon Nansen, and Fa’atiga Lemalu are missing with Tekori opting to retire from international rugby to play for club side Toulouse.

Loose forward Alafoti Fa’osiliva has not recovered sufficiently from a knee injury and Faifili Levave has chosen to play for Clermont. Promising young flyhalf D’Angelo Leuila is with Auckland, three-quarter Alofa Alofa will instead be playing for Bayonne, and flying Newcastle winger Sinoti Sinoti is also missing.

A handful of eligibles that had been targeted have also turned down invitation. Worcester second row Michael Fatialofa and new teammate and former Blues standout Melani Nanai are out as is former Crusaders back row Jordan Taufua, who has signed for Leicester. Giant Toulon lock Brian Alainu’uese is another who could have chosen to play for the Manu.

Samoa will play warm-up matches against a New Zealand Heartland XV in Auckland on August 31 and a test match against Australia in Sydney on September 7 before departing for Japan. They have been drawn in Pool A at the World Cup along with Ireland, Scotland, Japan, and Russia.

A detailed squad list can be seen here.

FORWARDS
Michael Ala’alatoa (Crusaders, NZ), Paul Alo-Emile (Stade Français, FR), James Lay (Bristol Bears, UK), Jordan Lay (Bristol Bears, UK), Logovi’i Mulipola (Newcastle Falcons, UK), Seilala Lam (Perpignan, FR), Motu Matu’u (London Irish, UK), Ray Niuia (Highlanders, NZ), Kane Leaupepe (Hurricanes, NZ), Filo Paulo (London Irish, UK), Senio Toleafoa (Nevers, FR), Chris Vui (Bristol Bears, UK), Afa Aiono (A’ana Chiefs), Afa Amosa (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Piula Fa’asalele (Toulouse, FR), TJ Ioane (London Irish, UK), Jack Lam (Bristol Bears (UK), Tofatu Solia (Southern Tornadoes), Henry Stowers (Western Force, AU), Josh Tyrell (Doncaster Knights, UK)

BACKS
Scott Malolua (Queensland Reds, AU), Melani Matavao (Asia Pacific Dragons, SG), Dwayne Polotaivao (Doncaster Knights, UK), AJ Alatimu (Western Force, AU), Tusi Pisi (Bristol Bears, UK), UJ Seuteni (Bordeaux Bègles, FR), Kieron Fonotia (Scarlets, UK), Reynold Lee-Lo (Cardiff Blues, UK), Alapati Leiua (Bristol Bears, UK), Henry Taefu (Western Force, AU), Ed Fidow (Provence, FR), Belgium Tuatagaloa (RoVal Drôme, FR), Tim Nanai-Williams (Clermont Auvergne, FR), Ahsee Tuala (Northampton Saints, UK)