Samoa v Tonga
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Better performance from Samoa today. Both teams seemed to struggle with the heat which made it hard to string phases together due to the cleaners not being able to clear rucks in time, bit Samoa definitely finished the stronger and probably left a few tries out there. Luatua was massive around the park today, although was lucky to escape a red imo early on after chucking Tameifuna on his head. He could get sighted for that. Leuila and Paia'aua combined well at 10 and 12, with Leuila's boot proving to be very handy in getting Samoa out of trouble, and also his ability to crash into the line, similar to a 12. Matavao is also probably the best halfback in the Islands. I personally think he's better than Taumateine and Enari and would be a good pickup for MP. He's far busier than the other 2 with his quicker service, a good tackler and a very good runner. He definitely needs to be in the match day 23. Samoa's scrum also went well which set the platform, with Faumuina getting the better over Tameifuna, and Ala'alatoa/Alo Emile did well on the TH side. Theo McFarland also looked strong when he came on and could sneak his way into the 23 for the WC.
Quite a few choices for the Samoans to pick from in their squad. I think they could get better the more time they spend together.
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On their day Samoa could come away victorious against both Argentina and Japan
And if England take them lightly then that could be the upset of the tournament
After both Fiji and Georgia beating Wales of course
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On their day Samoa could come away victorious against both Argentina and Japan
And if England take them lightly then that could be the upset of the tournament
After both Fiji and Georgia beating Wales of course
@MiketheSnow I think they'll suit the cooler conditions too. Still think we'll come 4th in the pool, but there's more going for this squad than in previous campaigns.
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Must’ve been the heat but that was a scrappy game with plenty of basic errors etc. Great to see so many former Super/AB’s in action.
