Japan defeats Samoa

Samoa must field a woefully understrength team comprised largely of locally-based players with very little, if any, test experience. In fact the majority of the Samoan side won’t see any time at all in the upcoming June tests, so one wonders what the point of this exercise is after all.

Only five players in the starting lineup for the Manu have any professional experience, with nominated captain Anitele’a Tuilagi by far the most recognizable name. Towering lock Maselino Paulino acts as vice-captain and pack leader, and is joined by Japan-based Fa’atiga Lemalu in a serviceable second row combination. The back row have all been used on the IRB Sevens circuit, as do most of the backs along with the reserves.

Bustling Bristol centre Fautua Otto is shifted out on the wing, with former Queensland Reds outside back Brando Va’aulu preferred in the midfield alongside Tuilagi. Misioka Timoteo is a tough customer at the back of the scrum but perhaps hasn’t yet delivered on his early promise. Six players make their test debuts at kickoff while another four wait on the bench, among them former taekwondo Olympian Kaino Thomsen, who recently gave up the martial art to return to rugby.

GeordieFalcon wrote:ALl the Samoans were based in Samoa bar a couple - Andy Tuilagi for example. This was due to it being outside the IRB window.

Japan wanted the game so they could prepare for the physical aspects coming up in the Pacific Nations Cup shortly. And going from Cricket scores in the Asian cup to playing full strength Tonga, Fiji etc is not ideal.  

By all accounts not one of the samoans on show today would make the actual Samoan 1st team. Thats a concern when we have just signed todays captain Andy Tuilagi.