The Manu Samoa rugby team, known for their competitive spirit, is gearing up for their Pacific Nations Cup opener against the Flying Fijians at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Head coach Mahonri Schwalger expressed excitement about the match, emphasizing the significance of the occasion as Samoa Rugby Union celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Schwalger, a former captain during the 2011 Rugby World Cup and a member of the Super Rugby-winning Chiefs team, acknowledged the challenge posed by the unpredictable nature of Fijian players. He remarked that the players are eager to prove themselves and are aware of the expectations from their supporters back home.
The historical context of the match adds to its importance; Samoa played its first international match against Fiji in 1924. Schwalger noted that the squad has been preparing diligently over the past three weeks, with some players experiencing Fiji for the first time.
The highly anticipated match is set to kick off at 6 PM, as both teams aim for a strong start in the tournament.