Mapusua to captain Samoa

Published: Wednesday, 24. August, 2011 in category Southern Hemisphere

Samoa, who could just be, as they were in 1991 and 1999, a source of shock at the 2011 World Cup, have announced their squad of 30. Seilala Mapusua will captain the side.

Are they going to do what Argentina did in 2007? After all they beat Australia not long ago. They are in Pool D along with Wales, Fiji, Namibia and South Africa.

Wales may well remember the beatings in 1991 and 1999.

Big, strong, skilled, 31-year-old Mapusua has been a star at centre for London Irish  in the last few years and will head for Japan after the World Cup.

Only two of the players play in Samoa - Logovi'i Mulipola and Ofisa Treviranus.

Samoan squad:

Forwards: Olé Avei (Bordeaux, France), Maurie Fa'asavalu (Harlequins, England), Census Johnston (Toulouse, France), Filipo Levi (Newcastle Falcons, England), Daniel Leo (Wasps, England), Logovi'i Mulipola (Don Bosco), Ti'i Paulo (Clermont, France), Anthony Perenise (Hurricanes, NZ), Manaia Salavea (Narbonne, France), Mahonri Schwalger (Sale Sharks, England), George Stowers (London Irish, England), Sakaria Taulafo (Wasps, England), Joe Tekori (Castres, France), Kane Thompson (Hawke's Bay, NZ), Ofisa Treviranus (Apia West), Taiasina Tuifua (Newcastle Falcons, England).

Backs: Kahn Fotuali'i (Crusaders, NZ), David Lemi (Wasps, England), Johnny Leota (Manawatu, NZ), Seilala Mapusua (London Irish, England) (captain), Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono (Gloucester, England), Tasesa Lavea (Sale Sharks, England), Augustino Poluleuligaga (Exeter, England), George Pisi (Northampton, England), Tusi Pisi (Sungoliath, Japan), James So'oialo (Hurricanes, NZ), Jeremy Sua (West Harbour, Australia), Sailosi Tagicakibau (London Irish, England), Alesana Tuilagi (Leicester, England), Paul Williams (Sale Sharks, England).