0
The Emirates Western Force and the rugby powerhouse of the Pacific Islands, Manu Samoa, will go head-to-head at Members Equity Stadium in the WA team’s final trial match ahead of the 2007 Investec Super 14 competition.
The Samoa clash is the third in the Emirates Western Force’s trial match program, which gets underway with an intra-club game on Saturday 13 January at Rugby Park, Perry Lakes.
The second trial match is against Super 14 champions, the Crusaders, at the MLC Labour Park (Carlton AFL ground) in Melbourne on Friday 19 January.
On Manu Samoa’s last trip to Perth (in July), with both teams missing key players, the Pacific Islanders beat Western Force Gold by four points in a game that went to the wire.
This time, on Thursday 25 January, both teams will be fielding full strength sides, and the West Australians will be out to balance the ledger.
RugbyWA Chief Executive Peter O’Meara said the Samoan game, while a trial, would be a serious encounter, with Emirates Western Force players pushing hard for selection in the Super 14 opener the following week at Subiaco Oval.
“The Samoans will also be in top gear as they prepare for the Pacific Nations Cup and, of course, the World Cup,” he said.
“This will be a game not to miss – the fast and physical Samoans against our boys, who will be fighting for selection and keen to make a big improvement on the team’s 2006 form.”
Trial Program
Trial 1 – intra-club – Saturday 13 January – Rugby Park, Perry Lakes
Trial 2 – vs Crusaders – Friday 19 January – MLC Labour Park, Melbourne
Trial 3 – vs Manu Samoa – Thursday 25 January – Members Equity Stadium, East Perth