(l-r) Manu Samoa Head Coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua and Ikale Tahi coach Toutai Kefu
Manu Samoa Head Coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua was a happy man as he entered the press conference room after the Tongan match.
His Manu Samoa’s 34-9 win against a star studded Ikale Tahi is certainly worth a beaming smile.
Vaovasamanaia praised young talents Theo Mcfarland and Miracle Faaiilagi for their contributions to the win.
“ Theo is a class player, in his growth over two years,” he reacted when asked about team perfornance.
“I think just getting on the field was a big milestone for him and to play like he did showed his class, after being out for 6 months.”
Theo who plays for Saracens Rugby Club in England injured his knee playing for them and had been out for over 6 months.
Vaovasamanaia was also happy with Moana Pasifika standout Miracle as well
“Miracle is just getting better and better the more he plays, he is similar to Theo in his pathway and certainly very pleased with them while also a great headache at the same time.”
Vaovasamanaia’s headache is in reference to the Selection decisions he will have to make when his World Cup Squad is announced today.
This is especially after the performance his team put on at Apia Park in the second half yesterday.
Manu Samoa 7s Captain Melani Matavao was also a standout after being injected in the second half, with Coach Vaovasamanaia saying that his play is just going from strength to strength.
He also praised the efforts of every player in their team.
“Can’t fault the efforts of our players today.”
The first half was a tight tussel with the Manu Samoa leading 13-9 at halftime before the hosts rallied to score 3 tries in the second half.
Miracle Faaiilagi, Duncan Paia’aua and Melani crossed-over to put the game beyond the physical Tongan’s reach.
“ It was a tough game took a while to get going.. but pretty happy with result.”
Vaovasamania noted that their set piece play was cohesive and was a weapon for them.
Tongan Coach Toutai Kefu lamented his sides performance during the game: “We didn’t turn up to play… Samoa had way more energy than us and their set piece was good and we couldn’t keep up with them.”
Despite the loss the Tongan Coach was still confident that they can still turn it around before the World Cup.
“We wont beat anyone in our current state, but Im quite confident we can turn it around.
“ We have some World class players in our team.. we still have another 6 weeks before the World Cup so we have time to turn it around”.
Vaovasamanaia his time is now with the naming of the Manu Samoa Rugby World Cup team today
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