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Samoa wrapped up the Oceania 1 qualifying spot at the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France on Saturday.

The 37-15 win belies the hard-fought second-half when Tonga finally mounted a concerted rear-guard action to save the series by scoring two quick tries in the space of ten minutes. The Ikale Tahi were in danger of scoring a third one when old veteran Jack Lam pilfered a crucial turnover which sent his teammates—especially Jonathan Taumateine—jumping into the air. It shows how crucial the last quarter of the match is and how important the bench is to modern-day rugby. Professional coaches these days have game plans mapped out just for the final 20 minutes of the match. Jack Lam clearly leads that last quarter with the cool-headed experience of his 40 Manu Samoa caps.

However, the job was essentially done in the first half with Rodney Iona directing his backline with efficiency; his long cut-out passing put Samoa’s attack on the front-foot despite difficult weather conditions. Scrums were a big improvement this week but lineouts are still a work-on.

Therefore, job number one is done. Mission Accomplished - Samoa is now qualified for Pool D in France. This means they’re up against England, Argentina, Japan and Americas 2 (which could be any of the US, Canada or the rapidly-improving Uruguay).

What should be the strategy for the next two years?

Coaches Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua, Mase Mahonri Schwalger, Manager Su’a Hesed Ieremia, and HPU Director Seumanu Douglas Ngau-Chun as well as CEO Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai will no doubt be the masterminds behind the world cup strategy.

First, although the Moana Pasifika Super Rugby Franchise is completely independent of Lakapi Samoa, it should be LR’s goal to get as many Manu Samoa eligible players into that team. The more players playing professional rugby in the south, the better it is for Manu Samoa organising training camps in the next two years for prospective world cup players.

Second, the HPU needs to place a big emphasis on developing props, locks, and hookers—tight-five players. Fiji’s recent success is built on their forwards. Samoa’s most successful world cups in 1991, 1995 and 2011 were built on the forwards. Special emphasis should be placed on training forwards who can defend mauls.

Third, recruit ex-All Blacks through the 7s rugby pathways or ex-Super Rugby players now playing in Japan or Europe (lock Gerard Cowley-Tuioti is a perfect example). This is not a case of trying to recruit a whole starting XV of ex-All Blacks or ex-Walalbies. This is just unrealistic and unfair on players already in the Samoan rugby system. However, one to three in crucial positions like locks, props, hookers, flankers and first-five will give the team such a huge depth of solid professional rugby experience to choose from. Imagine Rodney Iona—who had an excellent NZ tour—and Lima Sopoaga being the world cup first-fives for Samoa? Two players who could really direct the team.

Our sources confirm that Vaovasa and Mase are already on the job; having meetings with MP leaders and establishing working relationships. The next 24 months will be crucial to getting Samoan rugby back on the map.

Article: Afaluko, SRN
PC: Manu Samoa

Team Naming RWCQ 2 | Manu Samoa vs Ikale Tahi Tonga, 17th July 2021 @ FMG Stadium, Waikato, Hamilton