Manu Samoa

Samoa pulls off upset over Italy in first game under new head coach Schwalger

Published

2 years ago

6th July 2024

In a thrilling encounter at Apia Park, Samoa staged a remarkable comeback to upset Italy 33-25 in their first Test match under new head coach Mase Mahonri Schwalger. The victory, which saw Samoa overturn a 10-point deficit, marked a successful start for both Schwalger and newly appointed captain Theo McFarland.

The match played in sweltering conditions on Friday, saw Samoa heavily lean on their Super Rugby Pacific experience, with eight Moana Pasifika players featured in the matchday squad. This strategy paid off, as the home side scored four tries to Italy’s three.

Italy, coming off an encouraging Six Nations campaign, started strongly. Winger Monty Ioane finished a long-range attack while Samoa fullback Duncan Paia’aua was in the sin-bin. Shortly after, debutant Matt Gallagher, son of former All Black John Gallagher, made his presence felt. Gallagher launched an attack that saw Ioane combine with Louis Lynagh, son of Australian rugby legend Michael Lynagh, for Italy’s second try.

Gallagher’s impact continued into the second half when his well-placed up-and-under led to a try for Paolo Garbisi, extending Italy’s lead to 25-15. The fullback’s performance showcased why coach Gonzalo Quesada had faith in handing him his first cap in such a challenging environment.

However, Samoa’s resilience shone through as the match progressed. Debutant flanker Murphy Taramai opened Samoa’s account, taking advantage of a gap in the Italian defence. Winger Nigel Ah Wong added another try before halftime, capitalizing on an Italian knock-on near their tryline to bring the score to 18-12 at the break.

The turning point came in the second half when Samoa dominated the final 30 minutes. Center Danny Toala found a corridor in the Italian defence to level the scores at 25-25. Fly-half D’Angelo Leuila’s accurate goal-kicking proved crucial, with three penalties in the second half pushing Samoa ahead.

The upset was sealed in the 77th minute when replacement Afa Moleli, one of five debutants for the home side, scored off a brilliant offload from hooker Samo Malolo. This final try showcased the depth and impact of Samoa’s bench, a factor that proved decisive in the humid conditions.

Throughout the match, Italy showed moments of defensive brilliance. Federico Ruzza made a try-saving tackle on Stacey Ili, while Alessandro Izekor’s interception denied Samo Malolo a certain try. However, these efforts weren’t enough to stem the Samoan comeback.

The result extends Italy’s winless streak in the Pacific islands, bringing their record against Samoa and Fiji to 0-8 in away fixtures. It also marks a promising start for Samoa, who hadn’t played since their group-stage exit in last year’s World Cup.
This upset victory sets a positive tone for Samoa as they prepare to host Spain next week, while Italy will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches against Tonga in Nuku’alofa and Japan in Tokyo.

Related Topics:Italy Mase Mahonri Schwalger Samoa

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New Samoan coach leans on Moana Pasifika talent for Italy Test

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Manu Samoa

New Samoan coach leans on Moana Pasifika talent for Italy Test

Published

2 years ago

4th July 2024

rugbyisthegame

New Samoan coach leans on Moana Pasifika talent for Italy Test

Manu Samoa’s new head coach, Mase Mahonri Schwalger, has named a formidable squad for their upcoming match against Italy, drawing heavily on talent from Moana Pasifika. This test, scheduled for Friday at 5:00 pm local time at Apia Park, marks Mahonri’s debut at the helm and represents Samoa’s first international fixture since their valiant Rugby World Cup campaign in France last year.

Lau Manu Samoa mo le ta'aloga ma Italia #WeAreManuSamoa | #WeAreLakapiSamoa | #WeAreSamoa pic.twitter.com/bMMCQKiddo

— Manu Samoa (@manusamoa) July 3, 2024

The team selection showcases a blend of experience and fresh talent, with eight Moana Pasifika players in the matchday squad. This highlights the strong connection between the Super Rugby franchise and the national team. Additionally, five players are set to make their international debuts, with Sebastian Visinia, Marco Fepuleai, and Murphy Taramai starting in their first test match, while Lolani Faleiva and Afa Moleli could earn their first caps from the bench.

In the forwards, Wales-based prop Aki Seiuli packs down alongside Moana Pasifika hooker Sama Malolo and debutant Marco Fepuleai from Colomiers Rugby. The second row comprises Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee and Samuel Slade, while the back row features Saracens’ Theo McFarland, debutant Murphy Taramai, and Nola Gold’s Olajuwon Noa.

The backline boasts exciting attacking potential, with the Moana Pasifika halves pairing of Jonathan Taumateine and Alai D’Angelo Leuila steering the ship. Danny Toala and Alapati Leiua form a dynamic midfield partnership, while Nigel Ah Wong and debutant Sebastian Visinia occupy the wings. Duncan Paia’au, a former Australia U20 representative, rounds out the starting XV at fullback.

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Coach Mahonri’s selection strategy appears to focus on developing a core group of young players with an eye on the 2027 World Cup. Despite having only three training days together, Mahonri expressed confidence in his young side’s ability to perform well against the Azzurri.

This match presents a significant challenge for Samoa. Italy arrives fresh from a competitive Six Nations campaign where they secured victories against Wales and Scotland and narrowly lost to England. The historical head-to-head record favours Italy, who have won five of the eight previous encounters between the two nations.

For Samoa, this game not only marks the beginning of a new era under Coach Mahonri but also serves as a crucial opportunity to test themselves against top-tier opposition. As they face off against an Italian side featuring sons of two World Cup winners, Manu Samoa will be eager to make a strong statement and set the tone for their international season.

The inclusion of so many Moana Pasifika players underscores the importance of the franchise in developing and showcasing Samoan talent. This synergy between club and country could prove crucial as Samoa looks to build a competitive squad for future international competitions.

Manu Samoa XV

1 Aki Seiuli
2 Sama Malolo
3 Marco Fepuleai
4 Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee
5 Samul Slade
6 Theo McFarland
7 Murphy Taramai
8 Olajuwon Noa
9 Jonathan Taumateine
10 Alai D’Angelo Leuila
11 Nigel Ah Wong
12 Danny Toala
13 Alapati Leiua
14 Sebastian Visinia
15 Duncan Paia’au 

Replacements

16 Andrew Tuala
17 Tietie Tuimauga
18 Lolani Faleiva
19 Michael Curry
20 Iakopo Mapu
21 Melani Matavao
22 Afa Moleli
23 Stacey Ili’