David vs. Goliath

The battle between David and Goliath is not far from the mind of Manu Samoa captain, Ofisa Treviranus, as he prepares to lead his men out against the All Blacks at Apia Park this afternoon.

Moments away from the biggest game to be played in Samoa, the 31-year-old from Malie knows the odds are against his team.

But suggest they are fearful and Treviranus’s smile suddenly changes to quite a stern look.

“New Zealand are the world champions but we cannot be intimidated by the fact,” he told the Samoa Observer at Apia Park, after the Captain’s run yesterday.

“There is no question about our preparations, we are well prepared. We’ve had a really solid training camp and everyone is keen to get out there and give their all for Samoa.

“They are mentally and physically prepared, now it’s only a matter of getting out there and executing what we’ve been working on.”

With such a passionate support base and emotions running at an all time high, Treviranus is mindful about the occasion getting the better of the players.

“We’ve prepared for them like any other test match,” he said.

“It’s a golden opportunity for us to rub shoulders with these players.

Some of these players you only dream of playing against are here in Samoa.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against the best in the world.

“We all know that this is the bulk of the team that won them the World Cup, they’ve got such a solid forward pack but we’re not going to back down. We want to get up in their faces, be competitive, and prove that we can foot it with them.”

To do that, Treviranus said the players have done the hard work during camp.

“It’s been a really tough camp. The atmosphere in the team is amazing, everyone has gelled and they are itching to get on the park.”

The captain added that the support from Samoa has both been humbling and amazing.

“Our people have really motivated the players, they want to lift and play so well to honour the country and what they’ve done for this test match. It’s been amazing, a real joy to watch.”

Speaking of honour, the London Irish flanker said to captain the Manu Samoa today is a dream come true.

“I am humbled,” he said. “It has been a desire of mines ever since I started playing rugby to reach this stage."

“I give glory to God and I acknowledge him for the gift he has given to me. I am a nobody but it is God who exalts a person, he does great things.

“It’s an honour to lead our team tomorrow (today). I will give it my all and I will depend on God to help us.”

As for the David vs Goliath analogy, Treviranus sees the similarities.

“David and Goliath is always a story that is never lost among ourselves as a team,” he said. “Coach Steve and Manager Namulaulu often remind us when we prepare for a game."

“Samoa is a small country just like David. New Zealand is a big country and they have a lot of money to develop their rugby. I think they are the Goliath. It’s a good analogy to have, it motivates and encourages us that even though we are up against all the odds, we can do it.”

The captain said he expects the All Blacks to come out firing.

So what will he tell his players to try and stop the All Blacks in a match many punters predict they will lose? “I will ask them to give me your shoulder and I’ll give you mine, let’s get out there with one heart,” Treviranus.

“Let’s look at our country, look up at the stadium, look to the isles, remember the streets, the support. That inspires us, we love our country. Let’s not allow a rooster from afar to come and crow our front yard.” THE MANU SAMOA 1: Sakaria Taulafo, 2: Wayne Ole Avei, 3: Census Johnston, 4: Teofilo Paulo 5: Kane Thompson, 6: Alafoti Faosiliva , 7: Jack Lam, 8: Ofisa Treviranus (captain), 9: Kahn Fotuali’i, 10: Tusiata Pisi, 11: Alesana Tuilagi, 12: Johnny Leota, 13: Paul Perez, 14: Alofa Alofa, 15: Tim Nanai Williams RESERVES: Maatulimanu Lei’ataua, Viliamu Afatia, Iosefa Tekori, Maurie Fa’asavalu, Peleifofoga Cowley, Faialaga Afamasaga and Ken Pisi THE ALL BLACKS 1. Tony Woodcock, 2. Keven Mealamu, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. Jerome Kaino, 7. Richie McCaw - captain, 8. Kieran Read, 9. Andy Ellis, 10. Daniel Carter, 11. Charles Piutau, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 13. Ryan Crotty, 14. George Moala, 15. Israel Dagg RESERVES: Hikawera Elliot, Wyatt Crockett, Nepo Laulala, Brodie Retallick, Matt Todd, Brad Weber, Colin Slade and Charlie Ngatai MATCH OFFICIALS Jaco Peyper (South Africa) – Referee Rohan Hoffman (AUS) – Assistant Ref 1 Angus Gardner (AUS) – Assistant Ref 2 George Ayoub – TMO Kick off – 3pm