Samoa did not participate at the first World Cup in 1987 but have been to each one since then.
Over the three next World Cups they established themselves as one of the top rugby nations by reaching the quarterfinals on each occasion. Their greatest achievements at the World Cup came in 1991 when they stunned Wales 16-13 and at the 1999 World Cup when they once again beat Wales 38-31 to reach the quarterfinals.
Since then however they haven’t reached the quarterfinals, although they suffered narrow defeats against South Africa (13-5) and Wales (17-10) at the 2011 World Cup.
‘Manu Samoa’ last month reached the final of the Pacific Nations Cup where they lost 39-29 to fellow Pacific islanders Fiji, after drawing 30-30 against them in the group stages. In other group matches they beat United States 21-16 and Canada 21-20, and in recent warm-up matches they lost 27-24 to a Barbarians team and beat English Premiership side Wasps 25-19.
The team is captained by flanker Ofisa Treviranus who plays for London Irish in the English Premiership and consists almost entirely of foreign based professionals.
Some of their stand-out players include hooker Motu Matu’u and centre Rey Lee-Lo who both play for the Wellington Hurricanes, Newcastle Falcons wing Alesana Tuilagi, Leicester Tigers prop Logovi’i Mulipola and the three Pisi brothers, Ken, George and Tusi.
Samoa World Cup squad:
Forwards: Ole Avei, Manu Leiataua, Motu Matu ‘u, Viliamu Afatia, Jake Grey, Logovi ‘i Mulipola, Anthony Perenise, Sakaria Taulafo, Fa ‘atiga Lemalu, Filo Paulo, Joe Tekori, Kane Thompson, Maurie Fa ‘asavalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, Jack Lam, Ofisa Treviranus (captain), TJ Ioane, Sanele Vavae Tuilagi.
Backs: Vavao Afemai, Kahn Fotuali ‘i, Patrick Fa ‘apale, Tusi Pisi, Michael Stanley, Rey Lee-Lo, Johnny Leota, Paul Perez, George Pisi, Fa ‘atoina Autagavaia, Ken Pisi, Alesana Tuilagi, Tim Nanai-Williams. – Nampa-AFP
Samoa will play in Group B against South Africa, Scotland, Japan and the United States.
World ranking: 12
Recent results:
Sep 5: Wasps 19 Samoa 25, Coventry
Aug 29: Barbarians 27 Samoa 24, London
Aug 3: Fiji 39 Samoa 29, Vancouver
July 29: Samoa 21 Canada 20, Toronto
July 24: Fiji 30 Samoa 30, Sacramento
July 18: USA 16 Samoa 21, San Jose
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