Manu Samoa has added more firepower to its engine with the addition of some star names in its extended squad for the All Blacks test.
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This time, Paul Perez and Motu Matu’u are among a host of key players named by coach Stephen Betham in his 45-man wider squad for the All Blacks and the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup.
The latest list follows a 54-man squad announced last month.
Betham says the team is the best squad available.
“It was not an easy task to come up with the 45 names, but we have picked the best team based on all the relevant information available to us of their club games performance, game times, their current condition based on our fitness programs as well as various expectations that we have laid down from the outset,” Betham said.
“The players performance of the past campaigns are also taken into account and I am very happy with the players we got and looking forward to putting them together".
There are a few players that are not considered due to injuries and team management will continue to monitor their recovery process going forward, as some may make a come back and can be available for the teams final selection for the RWC, subject to injuries and the performance.
There are also players that have advised us that they will not be available for Manu selection due to personal reasons.
Team Manager Namulauulu Sami Leota stated that “we fully respect these players decisions and have wished them well for the future, and at the same time we acknowledged their tremendous contribution to the team and Samoa Rugby in the past".
The team will get together in Apia on the 22nd June to commence its general preparations for these upcoming games before they get into its official camp.
Of the 45 man squad now selected, 25 are forwards and 20 for the backs with roughly 8 players that are playing their rugby locally.
FORWARDS:
Aniseko Sio, Anthony Perenise, Jake Grey, James Johnston, Sakaria Taulafo, Viliamu Afatia, Andrew Williams, Ma’atulimanu Leiatau, Wayne Ole Avei, Motu Matu’u, Teofilo Paulo, Maselino Paulino, Kane Thompson, Iosefa Tekori, Fa’atiga Lemalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, Faifili Levave, Francis Ieremia, Jack Lam, Maurie Faasavalu, Ofisa Treviranus, Oneone Faafou, Taiasina Tuifua, Tala James Ioane and Vavae Tuilagi
BACKS:
Kahn Fotuali’i, Peleifofoga Cowley, Vavao Afemai, Michael Stanley, Patrick Fa’apale, Tusiata Pisi, Faialaga Afamasaga, Faleniu Iosi, George Pisi, Johnny Leota, Reynold Lee Lo, Ah See Tuala, Alesana Tuilagi, Alofa Alofa, David Lemi, Ken Pisi, Paul Perez, Sinoti Sinoti, Faatoina Autagavaia, Tim Nanai Williams
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