During a captain’s run at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Manu Samoa head coach Mahonri Schwalger reflected on the excitement of the upcoming match against the Flying Fijians. “They are called Flying Fijians for a reason; if they are allowed to fly, they will fly,” he stated. Schwalger, a former captain who led Samoa in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, expressed enthusiasm for the new competition and the challenges that lie ahead.
He anticipates a physically demanding game as Samoa seeks victory in their Pacific Nations Cup opener. Schwalger acknowledged the unpredictability of Fiji’s gameplay as a significant challenge. He also noted the match’s importance, coinciding with the Samoa Rugby Union’s centennial celebration. Rugby was introduced to Samoa by the Marist Brothers in 1920, and the first international match took place in 1924, where Fiji defeated Samoa 6-0.
Schwalger is aware of the responsibility on his team’s shoulders, with their nation closely following their performance. He mentioned that the players have been preparing intensively for the past three weeks leading up to the match. Some are experiencing Fiji for the first time, which adds another layer of challenge but also excitement. The game is set to kick off at 6 p.m.