“Ever since I’ve been a Chairman, I have only made two recommendations to the selectors, and whether they accept it or not is up to them” – P.M. Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi
Super rugby champion, Tim Nanai- Williams’ journey to become a Manu Samoa player took a step further yesterday.
This happened when the Waikato Chiefs midfielder was named in the Manu Samoa Sevens team for the Dubai and South Africa legs of the I.R.B Sevens Series.
His inclusion follows his decision to turn his back on New Zealand in pursuit of a Rugby World Cup spot in England next year as well as a place in the Rio Olympics the following year.
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Yesterday, Nanai Williams’ inclusion completed a formidable looking backline for Coach Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua and his assistant, Galumalemana Rudolf Moors.
Williams will be joined by other stars including Tom Iosefo, Lolo Lui, Reupena Levasa and Fautua Otto.
The coaching staff have also opted to take only five specialised forwards in the form of Falemiga Selesele, Lio Lolo, Tofatu Solia, Afa Aiono and Fale So’oialo.
During a farewell at the Samoa Rugby Union’s Tuana’imato headquarters yesterday, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who is also the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, cautioned the players against showing off.
He reminded them that many opportunities are lost because some players simply think they know it all.
“Most of the time you haven’t reached the try line and yet you are already walking,” Tuilaepa said.
“Stop being showoffs. The spectators despise it when they see it.”
The Chairman also reminded the team about doing well so that Samoa could finish in the top four of the I.R.B Series, automatically securing a place in the Olympics.
Tuilaepa said a winning team helps S.R.U secure sponsors easily and find money to improve rugby in Samoa.
He dismissed claims that the selection of teams are done by him, pointing out that the selection is strictly the prerogative of the coaching staff.
“That is a lot of rubbish broadcasted by the media but you can’t blame them because that stuff helps their business,” said Tuilaepa. “Ever since I’ve been a Chairman, I have only made two recommendations to the selectors, and whether they accept it or not is up to them.”
Recalling a game held in New Zealand where a player name Kasesa was selected he had advised the selectors not to pick him.
“I advised them not to pick Kasesa.
There are a lot of boys in Sevens squad that they can pick,” recalled Tuilaepa.
“They did not accept my advice and you all know that it was through Kasesa that we lost the game.”
In another year, Tuilaepa said he had advised the selectors to make use of the boys in the Sevens team.
In acknowledging the sponsors, the Prime Minister said: “Peanuts are for monkeys. If you give us ten times the amount that you’ve given us, the government will salute you.” Lastly, to the players, Tuilaepa told them that everyone wants to welcome them when they win, not when they are defeated.
MANU SAMOA SEVENS FORWARDS: Falemiga Selesele, Lio Lolo, Tofatu Solia, Afa Aiono, Fale Sooialo
BACKS: Tom Iosefo, Lolo Lui, Reupena Levasa, Fautua Otto, Siaosi Asofolau, Tila Meafou, Fomai Ah Ki and Tim Nanai Williams
RESERVES: Alefosio Rapini, Patrick Faapale, Tulolo Tulolo
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