Samoa coach John Boe praises players

By RICHARD BOOCK

John Boe can see the good and bad in Samoa's continual struggle for rugby credibility.

The former Waikato pivot will head back into farming country tomorrow when his Samoa side begin their World Cup build-up with a match against the New Zealand Divisional XV at Pukekohe.

Poorly resourced by New Zealand or Australian standards, Samoa's cause is constantly challenged by outside influences such as players not being released by Northern Hemisphere clubs, and New Zealand's policy towards those not eligible for All Blacks selection.

Throw in a funding crisis that has forced several players to dip into their own pockets, and it appears that Samoa has more in common with the bygone game than today's money-fuelled example.

Boe said the problem needed to be addressed if the sport was to become global rather than elitist, but was still moved by the sense of old-fashioned camaraderie and determination within his team's ranks.

"These guys play rugby for all the right reasons - for the love of their people, and the love of their country," he said. "Some of them have made big financial sacrifices so they can wear that blue jersey.

"They're extremely committed and Samoa have a proud history at the World Cup, so it's important that we build on that in this year's tournament."

Following tomorrow's game, the Samoans travel to Australia to play the Waratahs and the Reds on June 12 and 15 respectively, after which they have a home test against Ireland on June 20 and a four-match tour of South Africa.

Like the All Whites, one of Samoa's biggest problems is drawing the squad together from all points of the compass, attempting to mould them into a cohesive unit in a short space of time, and then taking on the world.

Boe said he couldn't think of a more demanding coaching assignment.

"It's not easy but it is a fantastic coaching challenge because you have players coming from different levels, countries and styles, and it's quite a task working out what works best.

"But whatever happens we're determined to work hard on playing our own style of game - not the English or New Zealand style, but the Samoan brand."

He said the nature of Samoa's build-up to the World Cup meant a lot was being asked of a small group in a short space of time, but was consoled by the thought that this year's crop were looking fitter and faster than ever.

"It would have been good to have had a lot more games before the World Cup but that's out of our control.

"I guess if we're looking for anything specific at Pukekohe it will be things like accuracy and more intensity, because we need to be able to lift our game to the level of some pretty handy opponents.

"We'll be wanting to just gel as a team and secure the style of game that we're wanting to play."

The teams for tomorrow's game were announced yesterday, with the Samoans still to finalise their reserve bench.

Teams for tomorrow's match:

New Zealand Divisional XV:

Tim Manawatu/Steve Dunn, Ray Karauria, Sam Leung-Wai, Jamie Stewart-McDonald, Pila Fifita, Eddie Hekenui, Donovan Hall, Mutu Ngarimu (capt), Germaine Anaha, Michael Johnson, Hayden Triggs, Andrew Milne, Nigel Hall, Mark Stewart, Peter Bielski. Reserves: Grant Henson, Clint Newland, Daniel Alofa, Eric Smith, Charlie Beetham, Simon Porter and Joe Faa'iu.

Samoa: Tanner Vili, Lome Fa'atau, Dale Rasmussen, Ron Fanuatanu, Brian Lima, Earl Va'a, Steven So'ialo, Semi Sititi (capt), Maurie Fa'asavalu, Opeta Palepoi, Kitiona Viliamu, Fosi Pala'amo, Moroni Schwalger and Kas Lealamanua. Reserves: Denning Tyrell, Va'aiga Tuigamala, Pama Petia, Tamato Leupolu, Jonathan Meredith, two to be added.

Referee: Gary Wise (Hawkes Bay).

Touch judges: Bryce Lawrence (Bay of Plenty) and Greg Watson (North Harbour).

Kick-off: 2.35pm.