Manu Samoa training squad for RWC

Manu Samoa 15 RWC Training Squad

Hookers: Mahonri Schwalger, Tii Paulo, Mikaele Tuuu,Steve Fualau, and Ole Avei.
Loosehead Props: Sakaria Taulafo,Simon Lemalu, Kas Lealamanua, Logovii Mulipola.
Tighthead Props:Census Johnston, Anthony Pereise,Naama Leleimalefaga, James Johnston.
Locks: Kane Thompson, Filipo Levi, Daniel Leo, Joe Tekori, Jonathan Faamatuainu.
Openside Flanker: Ray Ofisa, Manaia Salave’a, Ofisa Trevaranius.
Blindside Flanker :Maurie Faasavalu, Ezra Taylor, Tasina Tuifua
No 8:- Georger Stowers, Henry Tuilagi,Alafoti Faosiliva
Halfback: Kahn Fotualii, Junior Poluleuligaga, Brenton Helleur, Uale Ma’I, Thomas Tusitala.
1st 5/8 – Tasesa Lavea, Tusi Pisi, Faatonu Fili, Roger Warren
Midfield – Seilala Maposua, George Pisi, Johnnu Leota, Eliota Sapolu, Fautua Otto,AneteleaTuilagi, Taputoa Rea, Herman
Porter, Timoteo Iosua, Christopher Victor Slade.
Wings: Alesana Tuilagi, Sailosi Tagicakibau, David Lemi, Sinoti Sinoti, Alapati Leiua
Fullback: Paul Williams, Ahsee Tuala, Apoua Stewart.

Squad to be added to once a few injuries clear up, such as Gavin Williams (I expect)

I've highlighted Ireland based players. I know nothing about Taylor but the Ofisa inclusion is interesting. He is currently IQ on residency, but if he plays in the RWC he'll revert to NIQ. I don't know how many NIQ players Connacht have at the moment, but it would be interesting if they have a full quota and then Ofisa becomes NIQ. Would the IRFU force them to tear up a contract? I imagine that would be challenged, if not by the province then probably by the player released. Would they fine them?

I would be surprised if Ofisa made it to be honest.

Alapati Leiua would be excellent for the squad. Didn't know he'd declared.

Oh god this is gonna hurt.
Poor Welsh players

Go'awn Junior Polu

Just looking at a 22 from that, I'd go with something like:

1. Sakaria Taulafo
2. Mahonri Schwalger
3. Cencus Johnston
4. Filipo Levi
5. Jo Tekori
6. George Stowers
7. Maurie Fa'asavalu
8. Henry Tuiliagi
9. Kahn Fotuali'i
10. Fa'atonu Fili
11. Alesana Tuilagi
12. Eliota Fuimano-Sapolu
13. Seilala Mapasua
14. Alipate Leiua
15. Lolo Lui

16. Ti'i Paulo
17. Simon Lemalu
18. Kane Thompson
19. Ofisa Treviranus
20. Junior Polu
21. Tasesa Lavea
22. Sailosi Tagicakibau

MBTGOG wrote:Just looking at a 22 from that, I'd go with something like:

11. Henry Tuilagi

Alesana?

No As, I think that he should play two positions.

Correction soon to be made.

MBTGOG wrote:I would be surprised if Ofisa made it to be honest.

I'd be surprised too, but I think it's an interesting question. Once a player becomes IQ I've never heard of a situation where they revert to NIQ. And if it happends midseason, what does that mean for teams that already have a full NIQ quota?

Their strongest team in my opinion:

1. Sakaria Taulafo
2. Mahonri Schwalger (c)
3. Cencus Johnston
4. Joe Tekori
5. Kane Thompson
6. Maurie Fa'asavalu
7. Ofisa Treviranus
8. Henry Tuilagi

9. Kahn Fotuali'i
10. Tasesa Lavea
11. Alesana Tuilagi
12. Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu
13. Seilala Mapusua
14. David Lemi
15. Paul Williams

16. Ti’i Paulo
17. James Johnston
18. Filipo Levi
19. George Stowers
20. Junior Poluleuligaga
21. George Pisi
22. Sailosi Tagicakibau

I'm tired of Samoa poaching all those New Zealander's, though.

It's not the only thing that's tiring

greybeard wrote:It's not the only thing that's tiring

So, so right.

As for Connacht, the current rules on NIQ apply to the three 'big' provinces. Connacht are given a certain amount of latitude.

Not sure that's actually true. But I've been looking for a definition on the IRFU site regarding NIQ quotas and can't find anything.

But I think the NIQ rules are the same for everyone

No, it's definitely true.

A Priori proof

1) All Irish Provincial contracts must be approved by the IRFU
2) Connacht currently have at least 7 NIQ players
3) The limit for NIQ players is 6 (including projects)
4) The IRFU approved the contracts for all of those players
5) Connacht must be allowed some latitude regarding signing NIQ players

They've always had more than the limit for the last few years. There is no definition on the website because it's not a public thing, the discussion of contracts. But it's been confirmed by sources in Ulster (ie. David Humphreys at URSC events etc) that the limit for Ulster is 5 NIQ + 1 Project Player.

Notch wrote:
2) Connacht currently have at least 7 NIQ players

I count Reynecke, Ah You, Nikora (project apparently) and Naoupu.That's four and Elwood has said he's targetting a foreign centre, so that's five.

Jarvis and Loxton's contracts were approved by the IRFU on the basis that they were IQ, they might not be now, but the IRFU will have to decide what to do there once the IRB make a decision. I guess Connacht could be forced to release Jarvis and Loxton if the IRB rules in favour of Wales, but that doesn't seem fair. If there is no current leeway for Connacht, it would be ok if there was for those two, just this once.

greybeard wrote:

Notch wrote:
2) Connacht currently have at least 7 NIQ players

I count Reynecke, Ah You, Nikora (project apparently) and Naoupu.That's four and Elwood has said he's targetting a foreign centre, so that's five.

Jarvis and Loxton's contracts were approved by the IRFU on the basis that they were IQ, they might not be now, but the IRFU will have to decide what to do there once the IRB make a decision. I guess Connacht could be forced to release Jarvis and Loxton if the IRB rules in favour of Wales, but that doesn't seem fair. If there is no current leeway for Connacht, it would be ok if there was for those two, just this once.

Ethienne Reynecke
Rodney Ah You
Dylan Rogers
Michael Swift
George Naopou
Miah Mikora
Fetu'u Vanikolo

Ray Ofisa
Matthew Jarvis
James Loxton

Wait... is Swift Irish qualified?

Swift is, as is Ofisa. Has Rogers re-signed? Didn't he have a 1 year contract like everyone else?

I believe he's resigned. I suppose they are within the rules now then, if Swift is IQ. Though I expect Ofisa will get a cap in the Pacific Nations Cup.

...which neatly brings me back to my original question... 8)

AlynDavies wrote:Oh god this is gonna hurt.
Poor Welsh players

You should be glad our lot poached Manu then

I think the contract stands. Legally I mean.

Unless there is a provision in the contract that if the player becomes ineligible for Ireland the contract between player and club becomes null and void, they can't get rid of him.

And in real terms, I don't think they would want to nor would the IRFU ask them to. It may affect his contract getting renewed however.

Anybody know how Maurie's been doing since returning to union? Anyway the Pacific Rugby Unions need to find a way to keep PI's within Oceania playing Super Rugby, only because I think that's the style of rugby our PI countries try to play but the players are always limped and forced into the NH style of rugby. If only they could sort out some kinda funding (and agreement) for an inclusion of a Pacific Super Rugby team. But yeah this idea seems to be brushed away every year. Dreams are free though. Sigh.

I've never understood it. The world is full of astonishing young talent with PI heritage, but we can't get Samoa, Fiji, Tonga at least in the super 15? It's insane. Yet we have new Aussie teams cobbled together and encouraging foreign, er, talent, down under to play? It's wrong.

Despite all the similar funding, stadia and player contract complexity, there is room for Argentina in the 3N?

It seems a curious thing to me.

Are you a good man doing nothing GG?

Can see George Pisi filling the 15 jersey with Tagicakibau on the opposite wing to Alasana.

It looks like a strong squad, it just depends on how much time they get together to train before hand, but they might just have a chance of getting to the quarter finals.