One last hit out

Time is running out for coach Stephen Betham to get his team together for the Rugby World Cup.

The good news for Samoa is that the man in charge of country’s preparations is confident that with one more hit-out left, things are slowly coming together as planned.

“Everything is going well,” Betham told the Samoa Observer from London.

“The players are really looking forward to taking their chances this weekend as we start to look forward to the first game of the World Cup.”

That game is against the United States of America on 19 September 2015.

Before that though, first up for Manu Samoa is Wasps this weekend. The teams will clash at Ricoh Arena in Coventry tomorrow.

In naming his starting team, Betham said they want to give everyone the opportunity to play before the World Cup.

“It’s important that we continue to give the boys an opportunity to shake off the cobwebs and it’s also the time for players to press for World Cup playing spots.

“We want them to be hungry for these positions and we want them to be competitive – that will help drive a good standard within the team if players know they can’t rest on their laurels and there are no assumptions about playing spots. We are also continuing to test our systems and really look for good decision making on the field.”

Betham said Wasps would not be an easy opponent.

“Wasps is one of the top five clubs in Europe. I think they’ll bring a lot more structure than the Barbarians; they won’t play an open style game like the Barbas. They’ll probably test us in the line outs, scrums and all the set pieces, which is good for us.

“Last week we had our running abilities tested against the Babas but this week we will have our set pieces tested. We expect them to test us in all other facets of the game.”

Betham’s men went down to the Barbarians, 24-27.

“We certainly weren’t happy with our first hit-out last week against the Barbarians but that’s what happens when you’re chasing a man down for pretty much the entire game. It’s just so hard to play your best rugby when you’re a man, sometimes, two men, down.

“We know we have reflected and trained well following that, and there is an air of excitement starting to build. But you know, we know we can’t get ahead of ourselves, and the focus for now is making sure we get in a good result this Saturday.”

Betham added that there is a really good atmosphere in the team.

“The camp in Samoa was the cornerstone of the build up. Everyone sort of gelled from Samoa when we moved to the UK so there is a real sense of closeness; there is real harmony in this team now.

“Everyone is working and supporting each other and that’s what we are looking for heading into the World Cup.”

Betham was also asked about the possibility of South Africa being prevented from the World Cup, due to a Court challenge back in their country.

“At the moment we’re not too worried about what’s happening in South Africa,” he said.

“We’re focussing mainly on the U.S.A. I’m sure they’re too big a nation and too proud a rugby country not to be here.

"I’m sure they’ll sort out their differences and they’ll be here and they’ll be as hard as ever to beat.”

Samoa is pooled with U.S.A, Scotland, Japan and South Africa at the World Cup.

MANU SAMOA for Wasps

1-15: Viliamu Afatia, Motu Matu’u, Anthony Perenise, Faifili Levave, Iosefa Tekori, Alafoti Faosiliva, TJ Ioane, Ofisa Treviranus (captain), Kahn Fotualii, Mike Stanley, Alesana Tuilagi, Johnny Leota, George Pisi, Ken Pisi, Tim Nanai-Williams RESERVES:

Sakaria Taulafo, Ole Avei, Jake Grey, Teofilo Paulo, Maurie Faasavalu, Vavao Afemai, Tusi Pisi, Faatoina Autagavaia