Test Match: Papua New Guinea Challenges Samoa

11.07.2009
Samoa v Papua New Guinea in Apia (WCQ Oceania R2 Final, 1st leg)

Preview
Papua New Guinea earned the right to challenge Samoa for a place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals with a 29-21 win over the Cook Islands in Port Moresby last weekend. PNG has never managed to get past the big three of Pacific Island rugby before and they will face a daunting task.

Samoa, fresh from their Pacific Nations Cup campaign will be too strong for their lesser experienced rivals. The Samoan team is not as strong as that that took part in the Pacific Nations Cup.

These two teams have never met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Oceania Table-Samoa 3rd, Papua New Guinea 6th

Prediction: Samoa by 42 points.

Teams

Manu Samoa Squad
FORWARDS
Andrew Williams
Mahonri Schwalger
Census Johnston
Fosi Palaamo
Ernest Skelton
Heroshi Tea
Daniel Leo
Filipo Levi
Semo Sititi
Jonathan Faamatuainu
Ofisa Treviranus
George Stowers
Misioka Timoteo
Simaika Mikaele

BACKS
Tauafao
Alatasi Tupou
Ki Anufe
Eliota Fuimaono
Seilala Maposua
Gavin Williams
Henry Faafili
Lolo Lui
Esera Lauina
Reupena Levasa
Uale Mai
Pesamino Alauni
Titi Esau
Mikaele Pesamino

Head Coach: Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua

http://www.samoarugbyunion.ws/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=32&Itemid=254

Not involved
Alesana Tuilagi (wing, Leicester)
Henry Tuilagi (back row, Perpignan)
Salosi Tagicakibau (wing, London Irish)
Justin Va'a (Prop, Glasgow)
Joe Tekori (2nd Row, Castres)
David Lemi (wing, Wasps)

Papua New Guinea Squad
Lawrence Acanufa
Shane Amean
Peatrie Birney
David Eri
Paul Genia
Yaisuo Giheno
Alex Haija
Adam Hill
Chris Hogi
Chris Kakah
Kapua Kapua
Desmond Korpork
Charlie Maips
Jack Maraha
Namo Mark
Richard Mark
Aaron Miai
Edwin Noki
Gina Ponda
Rikis (capt)
Ray Romalus (vc)
Philip Suapo
Westley Thomas
Ray Vagi
Head Coach: Billy Rapilla

Out injured
Emmanuel Auru
Manu Gairo Jr
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