Manu Samoa players with supporters Photo: Samoa Rugby Union
The 'Ikale Tahi rugby team's preparations for crucial World Cup warm-up games has been affected by delays to player's arrival in camp and ongoing injuries.
But Manu Samoa have had two productive weeks of squad camps focused on getting them through several games over the next seven weeks.
Both squads have spent time in their home countries since July 1, flying players in from across Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
The two teams will play Tests against Fiji and Japan in the annual Pacific Nations Cup series, which kicks off on July 22.
Disrupted camp
The 'Ikale Tahi, who play Australia A in their first 2023 Rugby World Cup warm-up game in Nuku'alofa on Friday, has had their camp schedule rearranged because of flight disruptions.
Some players arrived in Nuku'alofa only on July 10 - nine days after their camp started.
"Oh, to be honest, it's been a little bit disruptive. We've had some issues with flights," head coach Toutai Kefu told RNZ Pacific from Nuku'alofa.
"So we probably missed three or four days of training, which is disappointing. But, you know, we're doing the best we can to get the boys ready."
On top of that, Kefu said there were some players who are nursing injuries but are being monitored by the team's management.
But he added "we've got everyone here that we've planned to have".
Kefu said having players come from professional rugby environments has helped, despite the challenges they had faced.
"Yeah, even though we've had a restricted preparation, we're still looking good. It helps when the players are really professional; the really good ones have high expectations of themselves," he said.
"So that's helped a lot. And as you know, this is a different group. A much, much, different group than what I've had before.
"I'm really looking forward to playing Australia. And whatever we do that day, I think we're just going to get better."
Ikale Tahi players Photo: Ramanlal Vallabh
Stars named
Kefu has named former Wallaby Israel Folau and former All Blacks trio Malakai Fekitoa, Charles Piutau and Vaea Fifita in his starting line-up to face Australia A on Friday.
He has also included four Moana Pasifika players in the starting team - Samiuela Moli, Solomone Funaki, William Havili and Fine Inisi.
The clash at Te'ufaiva Stadium is part of the 50th anniversary of Tonga defeating the Wallabies in 1973 and the 100th birthday of the Tonga Rugby Union.
The Australia A side arrived in Nuku'alofa on Wednesday with tough Wallaby prop Taniela Tupou and Folua Fainga'a, both of Tongan heritage, among them.
Kefu said having the players playing at home for the first time in six years and being a World Cup year will be an added impetus for the players, especially his former Wallabies and All Black stars.
He wants the team to start building their game together and believes the priority is on building for the World Cup.
"Look, obviously, we want to perform well. But I think the priority is to build combinations and connections, really start to execute the way we want to play when we get to the to the World Cup. That's probably the most important thing."
Samoa preparing well
Manu Samoa, on the other hand, have had a good two weeks in camp in Apia.
Head coach Seilala Mapusua said the squad's camp has helped getting players to know each other.
"We've got some really good work done and got some really good connections in amongst the team," the former Manu Samoa star told RNZ Pacific from Apia.
"With a lot of the boys coming from different parts of the world it's been really nice to see everyone come in and get to work, and also begin gelling as a team. It's been great being back in Samoa."
Manu Samoa players taking it easy in camp Photo: Samoa Rugby Union
The squad includes former Wallaby fly-half Christian Leali'ifano and ex-All Blacks Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and Lima Sopoaga.
Mapusua said the former internationals and Europe-based players have been a great influence on the younger players in the squad.
Tighthead prop Faumuina, who is set to bring his career to a close after the World Cup, played 50 times for the All Blacks between 2012 and 2017 and was part of the 2015 World Cup-winning squad.
Sopoaga and Leali'ifano have played Test rugby as fly-halves for the Wallabies and All Blacks, and also have alot of experience in the pivotal role in Super Rugby.
"It's been quite a seamless transition. These boys have come into camp with a really good mindset and really good attitude," Mapusua said of the players.
Manu Samoa meets Japan on July 22 in the opening round of the 2023 Pacific Nations Cup series.
Mapusua said that game will give them an indication of where they stand and what they need to do moving forward.
