Manu Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua is backing his new-look squad to hold their own against the Māori All Blacks and Tonga.
Manu Samoa head coach Seilala Mapusua. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
13 new caps were named in the first Samoan side for almost two years, with 20 of the 31 players based in New Zealand and Australia.
That was something of a necessity, with the global pandemic depriving Mapusua of up to a dozen first-choice players.
"It was a long and arduous process with so many factors at play, obviously Covid being the major one and not having access to European players," he said.
"We've managed to get a couple back - that's great - and there's still a couple pending but hence why there's a largely predominantely Southern Hemisphere feel to the team."
Michael Alaalatoa has been appointed captain of the Manu, succeeding veteran flanker Jack Lam.
Manu Samoa's Michael Alaalatoa with brother and Wallabies prop Allan after his test debut. Photo: Clay Cross / PHOTOSPORT
Seilala Mapusua said the Crusaders prop is an excellent professional who leads by example.
"He's a great role model in our squad in terms of his preparation and also he understands the game well," he said.
"Coming from the Crusaders environment he will have great intellectual property and he has a good understanding of the game. He is a leader that the boys will get behind because he commands his position in the team and leads well both on and off the field."
Jack Lam is the most capped (38) member of the Samoan squad and one of only seven players to have played at least 10 tests.
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT | Manu Samoa Squad for June/July matches with Maori All Blacks & RWC Qualifier with Tonga #WeAreManuSamoa pic.twitter.com/HYh4atoDHP
— Manu Samoa (@manusamoa) May 27, 2021
11 of the 31 squad members are currently plying their trade in amateur club rugby across New Zealand, Australia and Samoa.
Despite missing a host of key internationals, including Chris Vui, Alapati Leiua and Tim Nanai-Williams, Seilala Mapusua was confident the Manu had enough quality in their squad.
"It wasn't a lottery and they weren't selected by accident and I do believe they have the capability to perform at that level and compete.
"Obviously Tonga is in the same boat as myself and they'll be coming up against the same issues that we are."
Jack Lam and Dwayne Polataivao model the new Manu Samoa playing kit. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
An additional game against the Māori All Blacks has been added on 26 June in Wellington and Mapusua said the two-match series is the perfect build-up for their Rugby World Cup qualifiers against the 'Ikale Tahi.
"There's no better preparation for a game that to play a game and for Manu Samoa...it's been a while since we've had four weeks consecutive of games and that's how I see it, those two games against the Māori, is to prepare us.
"I don't really believe in warm up games, they're all part of our preparation, and hopefully they'll be able to put us in the best position to play Tonga in those crucial games."
Michael Alaalatoa represented Moana Pasifika against the Māori All Blacks last year. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020 www.photosport.nz
The international window also presents an opportunity for them to press their claims for a spot in the Moana Pasifika squad to compete in next season's Super Rugby competition, Mapusua said.
"I'm in constant dialogue with Moana Pasifika guys and I'm always pushing the case of our boys over here and all things going well a few of these players will be joining Moana Pasifika in the new year."
Seilala Mapusua is already on the ground in New Zealand, while the four Samoan based players arrived in Auckland on Friday and will spend the next two weeks in quarantine.
