Samoa
Profiles of the 2015 Rugby World Cup teams.
Manu Samoa rugby team performs the siva tau ahead of their match against the All Blacks in Apia Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
After their historic home game against the All Blacks and second placing as the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup the Samoan team comes into this World Cup with momentum.
The current Samoa squad is packed with talent both up front and in the backline.
They have proven to be a team who can challenge higher-ranked teams and play with Pacific flair and have been involved in some the World Cup's most memorable matches.
Samoa are in the Pool B along with South Africa, Scotland, Japan and the USA.
Backs
Vavao Afemai (Samoa Vaiala), Kahn Fotuali'i (Northampton Saints), Patrick Fa'apale (Samoa Vaiala), Tusi Pisi (Suntory Sungoliath), Michael Stanley (unattached), Rey Lee-Lo (Cardiff Blues), Johnny Leota (Sale Sharks), Paul Perez (Coastal Sharks), George Pisi (Northampton Saints), Fa'atoina Autagavaia (Nevers), Ken Pisi (Northampton Saints), Alesana Tuilagi (Newcastle Falcons), Tim Nanai-Williams (Ricoh Black Rams).
Forwards
Ole Avei (Bordeaux Begles), Manu Leiataua (Aurillac), Motu Matu'u (Wellington Hurricanes), Viliamu Afatia (Agen), Jake Grey (Samoa Scopa), Logovi'i Mulipola (Leicester Tigers), Anthony Perenise (Bristol), Sakaria Taulafo (Stade Français), Fa'atiga Lemalu (Bourgoin), Filo Paulo (Benetton Treviso), Joe Tekori (Toulouse), Kane Thompson (Newcastle Falcons), Maurie Fa'asavalu (Oyonnax), Alafoti Faosiliva (Bath), Jack Lam (Bristol), Ofisa Treviranus (capt, London Irish), TJ Ioane (Sale Sharks), Sanele Vavae Tuilagi (Carcassonne).
Coach
Stephen Betham
