The Manu Samoa rugby team, known for their resilience, is gearing up for their Pacific Nations Cup opener against the Flying Fijians. Head coach Mahonri Schwalger expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming match during their captain’s run at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Schwalger, who captained Samoa in the 2011 Rugby World Cup and was part of the Chiefs’ Super Rugby championship team from 2012 to 2013, stated, “We are really excited to be here. It is a new year and new competition and we are looking forward to a good game.” He acknowledged the physical challenge posed by the Fijians, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of their play.
This game is particularly significant as it coincides with the Samoa Rugby Union’s 100th anniversary. Rugby was introduced to Samoa by the Marist Brothers in 1920, with the Apia Rugby Union being established in 1924. The first international match for Western Samoa took place against Fiji in Apia on August 18, 1924, resulting in a 6-0 victory for Fiji.
Looking ahead, Schwalger noted that the team is fully aware of the expectations from their supporters back home and is prepared to take on this challenge with a sense of pride. He shared that the players have been in rigorous training for three weeks in preparation for the match, which will be a crucial experience for the newer members of the squad. The match is set to start at 6 PM.