Samoans lose two to injury

Manu Samoa will be without midfield back To'o Vaega and prop Kas Lealemanua when they open their Pacific Nations Cup campaign against Tonga in Apia tomorrow.

The pair, both regular members of the Samoan XV last winter, were injured in Samoa's warm-up game against an invitation side in Auckland last week.

Assistant coach Michael Jones said British-based Vaega broke a hand in the game and would be out of rugby for six to eight weeks.

Lealemanua, one of the young props in the Wellington provincial squad, suffered a hamstring problem.

"We're sad for To'o. He has been the heart and soul of this team for quite a few seasons," Jones said in Apia.

"Kas played an important part in the team last season and he was really looking forward to establishing himself in the side this season."

The Tongans kicked off the season with a 31-26 win over Fiji in Suva last week.

"It is usually a ferocious battle between us and Tonga, a real physical game.

"But we hope to think our way through the game as well," Jones said.

"We've got a clear game plan we want to use."

The Tongans scored a confidence-boosting three-tries-to-one victory against the Fijians, with Aisea Havili crossing twice.

- NZPA