Manu Samoa’s head coach Mahonri Schwalger expressed confidence ahead of their upcoming match against the Flying Fijians, stating, “They are called Flying Fijians for a reason; if they are allowed to fly, they will fly.” During a captain’s run at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Schwalger, who captained Samoa during the 2011 Rugby World Cup, shared his excitement with SUNsports.
“It’s a new year and new competition, and we are looking forward to a good game,” he remarked. With a history as part of the Super Rugby-winning Chiefs from 2012 to 2013, Schwalger anticipates a challenging game against the Flying Fijians, highlighting the physicality of their opponents and the unpredictability of Fiji’s playing style.
He underlined the significance of the match as it coincides with the Samoa Rugby Union’s 100th-year celebration. Rugby was introduced to Samoa in 1920 by the Marist Brothers, leading to the formation of the Apia Rugby Union in 1924. Samoa played its first international match against Fiji on August 18, 1924, losing 6-0.
Acknowledging the fierce competition, Schwalger stated, “It is a big year for us. We play Fiji every year, and the boys know what is expected. Our whole nation is watching and supporting us throughout the campaign.” He added that the team has been preparing diligently over the past three weeks leading up to the Pacific Nations Cup opener, suggesting that the game would be particularly challenging for new players experiencing Fiji for the first time. The match is set to kick-off at 6 pm.