Theo McFarland, the captain of Manu Samoa, expressed his pride in leading his team against the Flying Fijians in the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. The 28-year-old lock, who plays for Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership, acknowledged the significant challenge ahead but emphasized his appreciation for the opportunity to captain his side.
McFarland is familiar with the Flying Fijians, particularly with their prop Eroni Mawi, who will be on the reserve bench for this match. He acknowledged the strengths of the Fijian team, stating, “The Flying Fijians are a very good side.” He noted that while Samoa has a young squad, they will focus on defense and look for opportunities to exploit weaknesses in their opponents.
Samoa’s head coach, Mahoni Schwalger, recognized McFarland as a young captain facing a crucial test in his leadership role. Schwalger commended McFarland for his performance in the captaincy, highlighting his ability to guide and motivate his team effectively.