Samoa coach Michael Jones. Photo / Getty Images
No Savaii club players were selected in Samoa's World Cup team.
Savaii, being the bigger island of the Samoas and usually the underdogs in local rugby tournaments have been excluded yet again.
According to Coach of the Savaii Rep Team Loli Malu Satuu, some of his players have
been on the fringes of the national team for a long time, but have yet to be selected.
In defence of their selection process Chairman and of Samoa Rugby Union and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi said club representation was not important.
"You may note, that almost half the players are originally from Savaii but play for other clubs, the Savaii boys are obviously talented," he said.
According to Tuilaepa team members are not chosen by their clubs, but rather their "abilities and the amount of strength a player brings to the game".
Laaulii Michael Jones, the Team Coach said: "The Rugby World Cup finalist members are the best players, in terms of all rugby player criteria's; such as fitness, game tactics, strength and more."
The qualifying team for Manu Samoa World Cup was selected in June, but the official training camp started on August 1.
Samoa's World Cup pre match will take place on August 17 where they will face English club Harlequins followed by games against Northampton and Sale.
Samoa's RWC draw (NZ time)
2am September 10 v South Africa, Paris
2am September 17 v Tonga, Montpellier
2am September 23 v England, Nantes
6am September 27 v USA, St Etienne at 6pm
Squad
Justin Va'a, Census Johnston, Kasiano Lealamanua, Mahonri Schwalger, Donald Kerslake, Muliufi Salanoa, Silao Vaisola Sefo, Filipo Levi, Kane Thompson, Daniel Leo, Iosefa Tekori, Ulia Ulia, Henry Tuilagi, Siuleo Lafaiali'i, Justin Purdie, Semo Sititi (captain), Steve So'oialo, Junior Poluleuligaga, Loki Crichton, Lolo Lui, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, Jerry Meafou, Anitelea Tuilagi, David Lemi, Seilala Maposua, Elvis Seveali'i, Brian Lima, Lome Fa'atau, Alesana Tuilagi, Gavin Williams.
