The Manu Samoa rugby team is gearing up for an exciting match against the Flying Fijians, with head coach Mahonri Schwalger expressing anticipation for a physical challenge during their training session at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Schwalger, who captained Samoa in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, emphasized the unpredictability of the Fijian players, adding that the game will be memorable as it marks the Samoa Rugby Union’s 100-year anniversary.
Rugby was introduced to Samoa by the Marist Brothers in 1920, leading to the formation of the Apia Rugby Union in 1924. That same year, on August 18, Samoa played its first international match against Fiji, which ended in a 6-0 victory for Fiji.
Recognizing the significance of the upcoming clash, Schwalger stated that the team is well-prepared after three weeks of training and is ready to represent their nation, which is eagerly supporting them. He noted that this match is particularly important as many new players will be experiencing Fiji for the first time. The game is scheduled to kick off at 6 PM.