Before a test-match against “The Lelos” on 23 November, the Samoan national rugby union team held a practice on “Mikheil Meskhi”.

Before arriving in Georgia, Samoa lost to Ireland 9:40 and the French Barbarians 19:20. “Manu” lacks eight lineup players  but the coach does not consider it as a reason of their failure. After the match against the French Barbarians, the coach remained the back line the same. Captain Kahn Fotuali’i is back to No.9. Unlike the previous week, there are four changes in scrum.

Before each match, the Samoans perform their dance “Siva Tau”. The Samoans is in the 8^th place and if they beat “The Lelos”, they will earn 1,91 points. In case of winning with big score, they will gain 2,86 points and in case of draw – 0,91 point.

After the practice, the captain and the head coach showed up at the traditional press conference.

Stephen Betham (head coach of the Samoan team): “We lack eight lineup players due to injuries and other reasons. But we have a chance to see other rugby players in business. Some of them may play at World Cup. We could not play a team play against Ireland and that is why we lost. But we were not lucky against the French Barbarians.

We will hold a test-match against Georgia and our best players will play. New rugby players have a chance to establish themselves in the team. They must do their best in test-matches”.

Kahn Fotuali’i (captain of the Samoan team): “I agree with the coach. We are preparing for the upcoming test-match seriously. We know the Georgian team has a strong scrum. I am sure it will be a good match”.

November 23. 16:30

Tbilisi. “Mikheil Meskhi”

Georgia - Samoa

Georgia: 15. Merab Kvirikashvili, 14. Tamaz Mchedlidze, 13. Davit Kacharava, 12. Merab Sharikadze, 11. Giorgi Shkinini, 10. Lasha Khmaladze, 9. Giorgi Begadze; 1. Mikheil Nariashvili, 2. Shalva Mamukashvili, 3. Levan Chilachava, 4.Konstantine Mikautadze, 5. Levan Datunashvili, 6. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, 7. Mamuka Gorgodze (cap.), 8. Giorgi Chkhaidze.

Substitutes: 16. Simon Maisuradze, 17. Zurab Zhvania, 18. Davit Kubriashvili, 19. Giorgi Nemsadze, 20. Shalva Sutiashvili, 21. Vazha Khutsishvili, 22. Tedo Zibzibadze, 23. Beka Tsiklauri.

Head coach: Milton Haig

Samoa: 15. Fa’atoina Autagavaia, 14. Alapati Leiua, 13. Isaia Tuifua, 12. Johnny Leota, 11. Brando Va’aulu, 10. Tusi Pisi, 9. Kahn Fotuali’i (cap.); 1. Sakaria Taulafo, 2. Ti’i Paulo, 3. James Johnston, 4. Piula Faasalele. 5. Teofilo Paulo, 6. Ofisa Treviranus, 7. Jack Lam, 8. Faifili Levave.

Substitutes: 16. Wayne Ole Avei, 17. Viliamu Afatia, 18. Anthony Perenise, 24. Joe Tekori, 20. Taiasina Tuifu’a, 21. Jeremy Su’a, 22. Sinoti Sinoti, 23. Ken Pisi.

Head coach: Stephen Betham

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Touch judges: Andrew Mcmenemy (Scotland), Vlad Iordachescu (Romania)

Zura Ksovreli