2015 Rugby World Cup Preview: Samoa

Pool B: Samoa

Since its tumultuous rugby campaign at the 2011 Rugby World Cup which saw the Samoan team exit early after under-performing and with the coaching team plagued with corruptions accusations, the team has now become the most consistent in the Pacific. Samoa is a very well balanced side with potential to become the new heavyweights of the Pacific beyond RWC2015.

In the recent Pacific Nations Cup they were beaten by Fiji twice, but some would say the Samoan team was a B grade side. At full strength, they have been able to match it with the best countries in the world in recent years. This World Cup team has depth and skill and boasts one of the biggest backlines in the world.

Head Coach, Stephen Betham, has named his final 31-man squad which features players’ predominantly from Europe with the remainder of the squad playing in New Zealand. Betham has expressed disappointment that a few of his players have succumbed to injury - James Johnston, Pele Cowley, and David Lemi who has a back injury.

You can expect the Samoans to be a force at this year’s world cup and I expect them to advance through to their first quarterfinal since the 1991 and 1995 tournaments. They have been placed in a pool alongside South Africa, Japan, Scotland and USA. This should see them get through to the finals if they manage to hold out Japan and Scotland.

My World Cup Prediction

I see the mighty Samoans making the knockout stages for the first time since 1995. They will either come up against Australia or England depending who finishes atop Pool A. However, I do not see them advancing past the quarterfinals.

Samoa’s 2015 Rugby World Cup Squad

Forwards: Viliamu Afatia, Jake Grey, Logovii Mulipola, Anthony Perenise, Sakaria Taulafo, Wayne Ole Avei, Ma'atulimanu Leiataua, Motu Matu'u, Faatiga Lemalu, Teofilo Paulo, Kane Thompson, Iosefa (Joe) Tekori, Maurie Faasavalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam, Vavae Tuilagi, Ofisa Treviranus (captain).

Backs: Vavao Afemai, Kahn Fotualii, Patrick Fa'apale, Tusiata Pisi, Mike Stanley, Rey Lee-Lo, Johnny Leota, George Pisi, Paul Perez, Fa'atoina Autagavaia, Ken Pisi, Tim Nanai-Williams, Alesana Tuilagi (vice-captain).

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