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Mapusua to captain Samoa

By Paul Dobson
Wednesday 24 Aug 2011

Samoa, could just be, as they were in 1991 and 1999, a source of shock at the 2011 World Cup.

Seilala Mapusua will captain the side.

The 31-year-old Mapusua, who will leave his London Irish club to join Japan's Kubota Spears after the tournament, was among a 30-man squad named Wednesday by Samoa coach Fuimaono Tafua.

Are Samoa going to do what Argentina did in 2007? After all they beat Australia not long ago. They are in Pool D along with Wales, Fiji, Namibia and South Africa.

Wales may well remember the beatings in 1991 and 1999.

Only two of the players play in Samoa - Logovi'i Mulipola and Ofisa Treviranus.

The squad includes Leicester wing Alesana Tuilagi whose brother, center Manu Tuilaga, has been named in England's World Cup squad.

Also named are Gloucester center Eliota Sapolu, Bordeaux lock Daniel Leo and Toulouse prop Census Johnston.

Sailosi Tagicakibau, whose brother Michael will play for Fiji, is also named along with veteran fullback Paul Williams, son of former All Blacks wing Bryan Williams - who is the president of the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Wing David Lemi, at 175cm and 75kg is one of the smallest outside backs to named for at the tournament.

Samoan squad:

Forwards: Olé Avei (Bordeaux, France), Maurie Fa'asavalu (Harlequins, England), Census Johnston (Toulouse, France), Filipo Levi (Newcastle Falcons, England), Daniel Leo (Wasps, England), Logovi'i Mulipola (Don Bosco), Ti'i Paulo (Clermont, France), Anthony Perenise (Hurricanes, NZ), Manaia Salavea (Narbonne, France), Mahonri Schwalger (Sale Sharks, England), George Stowers (London Irish, England), Sakaria Taulafo (Wasps, England), Joe Tekori (Castres, France), Kane Thompson (Hawke's Bay, NZ), Ofisa Treviranus (Apia West), Taiasina Tuifua (Newcastle Falcons, England).

Backs: Kahn Fotuali'i (Crusaders, NZ), David Lemi (Wasps, England), Johnny Leota (Manawatu, NZ), Seilala Mapusua (London Irish, England) (captain), Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono (Gloucester, England), Tasesa Lavea (Sale Sharks, England), Augustino Poluleuligaga (Exeter, England), George Pisi (Northampton, England), Tusi Pisi (Sungoliath, Japan), James So'oialo (Hurricanes, NZ), Jeremy Sua (West Harbour, Australia), Sailosi Tagicakibau (London Irish, England), Alesana Tuilagi (Leicester, England), Paul Williams (Sale Sharks, England).

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