Samoa prepare for historic Test
Overseas-based players feature heavily in Samoa's 27-man squad for the historic one-off Test against New Zealand on July 8 in Apia.
This will be the first time the All Blacks will play a Test match in the Pacific Islands after previous trips to play Fiji were not given that status and is expected to be the biggest sporting event in Samoa's history.
At least 24 of the 27-man squad are permanently based overseas in England, France, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa respectively – which highlights the extent of the Samoan rugby diaspora.
Among the forwards, hooker Wayne Ole Avei plays in France for Bordeaux-Begles while of the props Viliamu Afatia is at Agen, Census Johnston at Toulouse, Anthony Perenise at Bristol and Sakaria Taulafo at Stade Francais.
Lock Kane Thompson is with Newcastle in England while Teofilo Paulo is with Cardiff Blues and Joe Tekori with Toulouse.
Flyhalf Tusi Pisi is based in Japan with Suntory Sungoliath and may combine with scrumhalf Kahn Fotuali'i, who plays at Northampton.
Fullback Tim Nanai-Williams plays for the Hamilton-based Chiefs in Super Rugby while Alofa Alofa is with La Rochelle in France, Ken Pisi is with Northampton and Alesana Tuilagi, brother of England centre Manu Tuilagi, is at Newcastle.
London Irish flank Ofisa Treviranus will lead the team and seems likely to link up with France-based double International Maurie Fa'asavalu and Bristol No.8 Jack Lam in an experienced loose forward combination.
"In the forwards alone it's a big challenge for us as it's an opportunity, a one-off opportunity, to play against the best," Fa'asavalu said.
The Samoa players have been in camp for some time preparing for the Test.
"It's about every player gelling together, getting our plays right and the little things that help us make the improvement," he added.
Samoa: Wayne Ole Avei, Ma'atulimanu Leiataua, Viliamu Afatia, Census Johnston, Anthony Perenise, Sakaria Taulafo, Kane Thompson, Teofilo Paulo, Iosefa Tekori, Fa'atiga Lemalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, Jack Lam, Ofisa Treviranus (captain), Maurie Fa'asavalu, TJ Ioane, Kahn Fotuali'i, Peleifofoga Cowley, Tusiata Pisi, Michael Stanley, Alofa Alofa, Ken Pisi, Alesana Tuilagi, Faialaga Afamasaga, Johnny Leota, Paul Perez, Tim Nanai-Williams, Ah See Tuala.
