“Use win to prepare for the 2019 Rugby World Cup”

26 November 2018, 12:00AM

Manu Samoa finally got a win in their Northern Hemisphere Tour early Sunday morning, when they came out 28-10 victors over Spain. Our Reporter Yolanda Lavataíi talks to members of the public to get their views on the victory and what head Coach Steve Jackson should focus on in the lead-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. 


Petelo Amosa, Malie, 22

“Manu Samoa have done okay as far as this season goes. But there is definitely room for improvement. The team has a chance to win next year if they work hard as a team. Despite the losses, we still support our team. Hopefully next year Manu Samoa will win games.”

 

Gordon Sua, Nofoalii, 21

“I personally think that if our local rugby players played for the Manu Samoa team, we would have better chances of winning this season. The reason being that our boys understand the responsibility and expectations that come with wearing the jersey. Who would better represent the country and give their all than the very boys from nation? However, it is too late to change that now, the team now has to work very hard to be able to win next year.”

 

Jackson Isarel, Vaivase Uta, 41

“I personally think the Manu Samoa needs more training. From the games that I have watched the team players are out of breath easily, while their opponents continue playing. Fitness is really important if they want to win next year because the teams they will be playing against are fit players. If they focus on building their fitness levels, then they have a better chance to perform better.

 

Isaako Siavata, Samatau, 44

“I hope this win encourages our team. We all take pride in our country and we support our team for their efforts to win. It is not easy to win frankly it requires work, constant training and team effort. But they have time to do all those things now and prepare for next year. Manu Samoa do not give up!”

 

Merita Palemia, Leauvaa, 19

“Our national rugby team has only one win but they can redeem themselves next year if they work a lot harder. I am no rugby player but I do support our team. To win next year, they should learn to work together a lot better, learn to rely on each other not just as individual players, but as real team. They will be playing against the best teams next year and that requires the best that is in them.”

 

Seiloga Leno, Leauvaa, 40

“The team has really great players; a lot of them are from overseas who have experience. But do not have a lot of experience in working with the other team players. I personally think that the team’s performance is based on the fact that they did not have a lot of time together. They only had a week before heading off to their tournaments. Though now that the season is over, this is an opportunity to really have the players work together and build a relationship. Players who know each other work better together.”

 

 

 


26 November 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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