Last match in Samoa's low-key cup buildup

By CHRIS RATTUE

South Africa may be drawing all the attention, much of it unwanted, but another member of their World Cup pool play a highly-significant match in Auckland tomorrow night.

The John Boe-coached Samoan team take on Auckland at Eden Park in the final game of an 11-week build-up to the cup.

The Samoans are in the World Cup pool C alongside England, South Africa, Georgia and Uruguay.

Their build-up has included a 40-12 loss to Ireland in Apia and a narrow win over the New Zealand Divisional XV at Pukekohe.

Boe has named close to a full-strength side for the match against the NPC champions.

"We have had so many great chances to showcase some new talent that Samoa have had to offer. We would like to think that the public, and in particular the Samoan community, will make the journey to Eden Park to support us."

The Samoans disperse on Saturday, and the World Cup squad then return to camp in Auckland a month before the World Cup starts.

Auckland: Brent Ward, Iliesa Tanivula, Ben Atiga, Sam Tuitupou, Tony Koonwaiyou, Orene Aii, David Gibson, Xavier Rush, Daniel Braid, Angus Macdonald, Bryce Williams, Bradley Mika, Nick White, Derren Witcombe, Scott Palmer. Res: Isa Necewa, Tasesa Lavea, Craig McGrath, Craig De Goldi, Sione Lauaki, Chris Heard, Richard Kirke.

Samoa: Tanner Vili (Borders, Scotland), Ron Fanuatanu (Marist St Josephs, Samoa), Terry Fanolua (Gloucester, England), Brian Lima (Socom, Japan), Romi Ropati (Toyota, Japan) Earl Va'a (Oriental-Rongotai, Wellington), Steven So'oialo (Currie, Scotland); Semo Sititi (capt, Borders, Scotland), Maurie Fa'asavalu (Marist St Josephs, Samoa), Siaosi Vaili (Ponsonby, Auckland), Leo Lafaiali'i (Sanyo, Japan), Opeta Palepoi (Currie, Scotland), Jeremy Tomuli (Colomiers, France), Jonathan Meredith (Ponsonby, Auckland), Tamato Leupolu, (Suburbs, Auckland).

Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger (Taradale, Hawkes Bay), Kas Lealamanua (Marist St Pats, Wellington), Mike von Dincklage (Waitemata, Auckland), Patrick Segi (Waitemata, Auckland); Denning Tyrell (Inglewood, Taranaki), Dale Rasmussen (Ponsonby, Auckland), Sailosi Tagicakibau (Papakura, Counties-Manukau).