Manu Samoa players at their final training run at the Rotorua International Stadium on Friday. Photo: Supplied/Manu Samoa
Manu Samoa captain Michael Alaalatoa knows what the Pacific Nations Cup clash against the Flying Fijians means to him and his fellow Samoan warriors.
A win on Saturday will put their 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign back on track, following their first round loss to Tonga in Nuku'alpfa three weeks ago.
A loss would mean they will be playing off against the third team from the Asia zone or Pool B for the chance to compete at the 2027 event in Australia.
Given the leadership armband again, after having led the campaign at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, Alaalato'a told RNZ Pacific at the Rotorua International Stadium on Friday they had a mammoth task against the defending champions Fiji.
Fiji defeated Tonga in Suva last weekend, kicking off their 2025 campaign on a high.
That result gives Samoa the chance to level terms - beat Fiji and they will be on the same points as Tonga.
Things might get down to points average in the end if the Fijians are beaten here in Rotorua.
Manu Samoa players preparing for Fiji in Rotorua. Photo: Supplied/Manu Samoa
The captain knows they only have one chance to get back in.
"It's really important for us, not only for PNC, but to qualify for this World Cup," he said.
"You know, we have a chance in front of us tomorrow to do that. So, yeah, that's our goal for tomorrow and it is very, very important."
Alaalato'a said they had a good preparatory week, having had a bye last week, where they also watched Fiji outplay and outscore Tonga.
With support from the local Samoan community, the side is focused on doing their best.
"It's been really good," he said, when asked how their preparation had gone.
"We obviously had the bye last week, so we had a few days to freshen up a bit and review the game against Tonga and prepare well for this week."
He knew Fiji would be tough and said they had worked on being prepared for any game situation.
"We expect a strong match," he said.
"Watching their game (Fiji), they obviously finished the game well, but I think they they'd like to think they would have started their game better.
"We're expecting a fast start from them tomorrow and that's how we've prepared. We've prepared to the best of our ability, expecting that so we can put our best foot forward."
He said team morale had been positive and "really good".
The focus for him - and the match-day 23 named - was to stay in the game from start to end.
The Fijians will be unpredictable and have the players who can play the game from any side of the field if given the opportunity.
"I think we just need to stay on for for everything, because, if we are a bit slow to react, the Fijians, they're very dangerous, especially off turnover ball or quick throw ins and they are very good with the offload.
"So, for us, we just need to be switched on for for anything that comes our way."
Wary Fijians
The Flying Fijians in a huddle at the Rotorua International Stadium on Friday as they prepare for Manu Samoa. Photo: Supplied/Manu Samoa
Fijian captain Tevita Ikanivere said after the team's captain's ran they were wary of the Samoans and knew their opponents would be fighting to win at all costs.
He said their focus would be on doing their own basics right and sticking to their game plan, adding the Samoans would be physical.
"They will be physical so I expect said physicality? If we give them confidence in that area, I think they going to play on the top of us.
"I think we pride ourselves on physicality, so, it's going to be great match up here tomorrow."
Ikanivere said their preparation had gone well, with learnings from their last outing against Tonga.
"Preparation started since after the game against Tonga in Suva and we flew down the day," he said.
"Good weather here in New Zealand, and enjoyable captains right now. So, just looking forward to the game tomorrow.
"I know they (Samoa) are excited and they are pumped up for this game because they lost the first game against Tonga, and especially because they're fighting for World Cup qualifications.
"It's not going to be easy out here tomorrow. And, yeah, we're ready to come out and give them a good run for the money."
Ikanivere said they started shaky against Tonga and did not use all the possession they had well.
But he was confident they would be ready for the Samoans.
"That was our first game and we've improved on that this week, and hopefully everybody gets to see it tomorrow," he said.
"It's our focus to come out here, firing from the get go, and try to hold onto the momentum throughout the whole game."
Without a big number of their Europe based players, Ikanivere was proud of those that had stepped up to fill the spaces.
He said everyone was eager to play for Fiji.
"I think the team has high expectations now and better values," he said.
"I think there's an expectation about whoever, whenever they come in, to hold themselves accountable to the standard we have now.
"So I think the boys have, especially the ones who've come in, they've enjoyed being here and know the responsibility of being here and what it takes to be a flying Fijians right now, because we don't only represent ourselves, but our nation.
"I think they are doing a great job in doing that, and especially tomorrow, when you come out here tomorrow, hopefully everybody gets to see that."
The Fijians are favourites to win the clash but in any Pacific battle, it has proven that over confidence can be destructive in the end.
The game is set to kick off at 3pm at the Rotorua International Stadium, with tickets already reported to be sold out.
Both teams enjoyed sessions in the sun on Friday, going through their final runs.
The Fiji and Samoan communities in Rotorua are expected to pack the stadium grandstand and embankment.
The Flying Fijians match-day 23: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (Captain), 3. Samu Tawake, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Ponipate Loganimasi, 12. Seta Tamanivalu, 13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 15. Isaiah Washington-Ravula; Bench: 16. Zuriel Togiatama, 17. Meli Tuni, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Motikai Murray, 21. Phillip Baselala, 22. Kemueli Valetini, 23. Taniela Rakuro.
The Manu Samoa match-day 23: 1. Aki Seuili, 2. Pita Anae Ah-Sue, 3. Michael Alaalatoa (Captain), 4. Ben Nee-nee, 5. Michael Curry, 6. Taleni Seu, 7. Alamanda Motunga, 8. Iakopo Petelo-Mapu, 9. Joel Lam, 10. Rodney Iona, 11. Tuna Tuitama, 12. Henry Taefu, 13. Melani Nanai, 14. Elisapeta Alofipo, 15. Lolagi Visinia; Bench: 16. Luteru Tolai, 17. Jarred Adams, 18. Bradley Amituanai, 19. Olajuwon Noa, 20. Malaesaili Malato, 21. Connor Tupai, 22. AJ Alatimu, 23. Tomasi Alosio.
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