Rugby Test: Samoa in Papua New Guinea

18.07.2009
Samoa v Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania R2 Playoff)

Venue: Lloyd Robson Oval

Preview
Samoa gave the Papua New Guineans a mother of a hiding last weekend in Apia. The 115-7 score line was a disaster for the visitors, who, whilst not expected to win, were expected to give a good showing. Now, the locals will be in damage control mode, hoping to keep the score below the century, and hopefully below fifty. Their only hope is that Samoa could not bring their best team, the trip to PNG from Apia took forever and that the local water will bring half the Samoan team to their knees.

“The game this weekend is a very serious one for us. The Pukpuks have had a chance to review last week’s match and they would have identified areas to plug and counter the gaps we found last week. I expect they will improve as a result. They will be very hard to beat, because they will be playing in front of their home crowd, they will be playing for pride and respect and they believe they have a chance to win as they feel we are weakened by some of our players that are unavailable.”says Manu Samoa Assistant Coach, Fepulea’i Patu from Port Moresby.

And comment from PNG coach Billy Rapilla..“The boys were a little conservative in Apia but we’re now focused on their own game. It was all mental for our boys. We will need a stronger frame of mind come tomorrow,” he said. The scoreline was not indicative of how well the Pukpuks can play “but of how bad we can get when we let our concentration falter”.

Coments thanks to http://www.samoarugbyunion.ws/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=303&Itemid=1

Last weekend's game was the first played between these two Oceania nations.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Oceania Table-Samoa 4th, PNG 6th

Prediction: Well, it won't be like last week's bloodbath but I expect the Samoans, even if most are local players, will just have too much power for the locals. The young Samoans will be looking ahead to further opportunities in the Samoan team for 2010, and then the World Cup in 2011, and even for club contracts overseas. For them there is a lot to play for.
Samoa to win by 50.

Teams

Samoa
15. Titi Esau
14. Mikaele Pesamino
13. Gavin Williams (c)
12. Eliota Fuimaono – Sapolu
11. Esera Lauina
10. Lolo Lui
9. Uale Mai
8. Semo Sititi
7. Ofisa Treviranus
6. Afa Aiono
5. Simaika Mikaele
4. Nifo Nifo
3. Fosi Palaamo
2. Andrew Williams
1. Ernest Skelton

Reserves
16. Heroshi Tea
17. Roy-Siu Tolufale
18. Logovi’i Mulipola
19. Notise Tauafao
20. Alatasi Tupou
21. Pesamino Alauni
22. Meki Magele

Head Coach: Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua

http://www.samoarugbyunion.ws/index.php%20...%203&Itemid=1

The probable Pukpuks
Westley Thomas
Kapua Kapua
Adam Hill
Willie Rikis
Aaron Miai
Alex Haija
Ray Vagi
Yaisuo Giheno
Lawrence Acanufa
Edwin Noki
David Eri
Ray Romalus
Chris Hogi
Roland Namo
Jack Maraha
Amean, Meria
Charlie Maips
Philip Suapo
Frank Genia
Gina Ponda
Richard Mark

Head Coach: Billy Rapilla

http://www.thenational.com.pg/071709/sport1.php