Manu Samoa 24 vs. Northampton Saints 21
The Manu Samoa sealed a hard earned victory against a determined Northhampton Saints team in London. The Northhampton Saints is the second team to face Manu Samoa leading up to the Rugby World Cup in October.
The match was an opportunity for squad members who did not participate in the first game against Harlequins to take part.
Two players have not taken the field as of yet as they are recovering by minor injuries sustained in training.
Coaches indicate that most of the team tactics were not exposed during the match due to the presence of coaching staff from RWC nations.
A slow start was noted in the first half of the game resulting in a halftime score of 16-10 to Northampton.
A vigorous first 40 minutes which saw some of Samoas key players receiving heavy knocks during the first half.
Changes made in the second half however saw Manu Samoa take control of the game.
Manu Samoa managed to exert more pressure and have more control of possession resulting in two tries by Manu Samoa.
Coaches report that the team played very well in the second half and confirmed that they played as a “cohesive unit.”
Management say the players have gradually developed confidence through the pre-RWC matches expect that they will improve further with the next fixture on the 24th August 2007 again Sale Sharks in Manchester.
The scorers:
For Northampton Saints:
Tries: Fox, Harries
Con: Everitt
Pen: Everitt 3
For Samoa:
Tries: Kerslake, Meafou, Fa'atau
Cons: Crichton 3
Pen: Crichton
Teams:
Northampton Saints:
Backs: Grant Anderson, John Brake, Paul Diggin, James Downey, Barry Everitt, Will Harries, Johnny Howard, Stephen Myler, Bruce Reihana, Mark Robinson, David Smith, Ian Vass.
Forwards: Damien Browne, Mark Easter, Simon Emms, Darren Fox, Phil Hoy, Ben Lewitt, Alex Rae, Karl Rudzki, Paul Shields, Christian Short, Terry Sigley, Barry Stewart, Paul Tupai, Jon Vickers, Dave Ward.
Samoa:
15 Lolo Lui, 14 David Lemi, 13 Seilala Mapusua, 12 Jerry Meafou, 11 Anitelea Tuilagi, 10 Loki Crichton, 9 Steve So'oialo, 8 Henry Tuilagi, 7 Justin Purdie, 6 Daniel Leo/Filipo Levi, 5 Iosefa Tekori, 4 Leo Lefaialii, 3 Lealalemanu Kas, 2 Mohonri Schwalger, 1 Donald Kerslake.
Replacements: 16 Muliufi Salanoa, 17 Justin Va'a, 18 Daniel Leo/Filipo Levi, 19 Ulia Ulia, 20 Junior Polu, 21 Gavin Williams, 22 Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu.
Date: Sunday, 19 August
Venue: Franklin's Gardens, Northampton
Kick-off: 15.00 (14.00 GMT)
