Manu Samoa head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Vinnie Wylie
Manu Samoa rugby head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua says he looks forward to the Test match against Japan on July 22, which will kick start their preparations for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
He says that match will give them a fair indication of where they are and what they will need to do as Japan is also in their pool in France.
Mapusua has the experience and rugby knowledge of four former All Blacks and one Wallaby player in his squad.
He has named former Wallaby fly-half Christian Leali'ifano and ex-All Blacks Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and Lima Sopoaga along with a handful of Moana Pasifika players from the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
His squad will assemble in Apia on July 1 to start their build up and have matches against Japan, Fiji, Tonga and Ireland on their way to France.
RNZ Pacific Senior Sports Journalist Iliesa Tora spoke with Mapusua on Manu Samoa's plans and prepration.
