Sevens RWC- Samoa find new pace
Samoa Under 20s captain Afa Aiono crashes forward. photo Zoomfiji
captain fantastic for Samoa. photo Zoomfiji
An exhibition of pace at the Marist Sevens yesterday saw winger Eteuale Pitone bolt into the national side named last night for the World Cup.
Pitone was picked as the selectors seek finishers at the flanks.
Injury to Mikaele Pesamino has created a gap in the finishing department, which has been a Manu Samoa Sevens weakness in the initial legs of the IRB circuit.
However Pitone was directly picked to replace the injured Timoteo Iosua in the Manu Samoa Sevens.
Another bolter in the World Cup side is Afa Aiono in the forwards.
Aiono is not new to international duties having captained Samoa in the Under 20s World Cup last year.
Otherwise the nation's hope for World Cup glory rests on the shoulders of the old brigade featuring the likes of Uale Mail, Lolo Lui and Jerry Meafou.
The current theory in the rugby union is the side named last night is good enough to win the World Cup if they play to their strengths, which is the physical approach spearheaded by the forwards. With the little general Uale Mai guiding the team they are in with a shot for the all important outings in Dubai.
The Manu Samoa Sevens World Cup side:
Forwards: Afa Aiono, Alafoti Fa'osiliva, Apelu Fa'aiuga, Ofisa Treviranus, Simaika Mikaele.
Backs: Alatasi Tupou, Eteuale Pitone, Jerry Meafou, Lolo Lui, Morgan Salesa, Reupena Levasa, Uale Mai.
Non-travelling reserves: Chris Slade, Richie Ah Chong, Tupu Ulufale, Afioa'e Maiava.
Coach: Galumalemana Rudolf Moors. Assistant coach/Manager: Stephen Betham.