Manu Samoa head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi has announced six significant changes to his squad ahead of the crucial Rugby World Cup 2027 qualifying final against Belgium. Samoa, coming off impressive victories against Brazil and Namibia in their previous fixtures, is determined to secure its spot in the 2027 RWC in Australia.
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The team will face Belgium on Wednesday morning, hoping to continue their winning momentum and cement their qualification in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested encounter. After reviewing his squad’s performance in the earlier matches. Pisi made several strategic adjustments across the forwards and backs to strengthen the team’s overall performance.
In the front row, Titi Lamositele and Michael Alaalatoa have been handed starting roles at prop, replacing Scott Sio and Tietie Tuimauga. Both Lamositele and Alaalatoa bring experience and stability to the scrum. A vital area for Samoa as they look to assert dominance against Belgium’s forwards.
Millennium Sanerivi returns to the starting side as hooker. Completing a frontline designed to withstand the physical challenges expected in this decisive match. He will partner with Captain Theodore McFarland, providing a combination of youthful energy and leadership in the engine room.
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Rugby World Cup: Key Back-Row and Backline Adjustments for Samoa
This pairing is expected to enhance lineout performance and provide additional support in the mauls. Areas where Samoa has shown both strength and resilience in previous games. The back row sees Niko Jones come in at openside flanker, taking the place of Alamanda Motuga.
Jones’ mobility and work rate are seen as key factors for disrupting Belgium’s ball possession. While Miracle Faiilagi and Iakopo Mapu retain their positions to complete the back row. Ensuring continuity and experience in crucial defensive and attacking phases. At half back and first five-eighth, Jonathan Taumateine and Rodney Iona continue in their respective positions, providing stability and tactical direction.
Their experience in managing game tempo and making split-second decisions will be essential against a Belgium side that is likely to test Samoa with quick ball movement and set-piece plays. There is only one change in the starting backline. Melani Nanai returns from a shoulder injury to play at center, replacing Tumua Manu, and will partner with Lalomilo in the midfield.
The wing and fullback trio remains unchanged, reflecting the confidence coach Pisi has in Va’afauese Apelu Maliko, Latrell Ah Kiong, and Jacob Umaga, all of whom crossed the try line in last weekend’s matches. And maintain attacking flair while offering defensive reliability against Belgium’s fast counterattacks.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Samoa’s Bench Strength Key for RWC 2027 Decider
Taleni Seu and Abraham Papali’i provide cover for lock and flanker roles, while Connor Tupa’i will serve as a halfback substitute. This bench composition ensures that Samoa has depth across key positions. Allowing for tactical substitutions that can influence the game’s outcome.
Veteran impact players Faletoi Peni and Tuna Tuitama remain in their roles off the bench. Ready to bring energy and experience to the backline when called upon. Their ability to shift momentum and make decisive plays in the latter stages of the match could prove invaluable. Especially in a tight contest where margins for error are minimal.
With these squad adjustments, Manu Samoa head into the Rugby World Cup 2027 qualifying final against Belgium with a clear strategy and a balance of experience, youth, and impact players. Coach Pisi’s selections reflect a desire to maintain stability while also introducing targeted changes to exploit Belgium’s potential weaknesses.
As the team prepares to take the field on Wednesday, Samoa fans will be eagerly watching to see if these changes can deliver a victory and secure their place in the 2027 RWC in Australia. And on-field execution as Samoa aims to continue its successful run in the Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification campaign.
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