Samoa World Cup preview
October 10th 2008 08:49
Big Ali Lauitiiti can set Samoa on course for victory
Samoa will enter this years Rugby League World Cup as the lowest ranked nation in the tournament. But with the player roster at its disposal, John Akland’s team are in a prime position to give the League’s ranking system a kick up the arse.
Its hard to imagine a Samoan side that made the world cup quarter finals in 2000 to be considered a novice in international rugby league. Rival nation Tonga failed to progress beyond the group stage in both the 1993 and 2000 editions, yet find themselves as the fourth best nation in Rugby League.
If the Samoans are to leave their footprints in Rugby League’s biggest stage, this year is their grandest opportunity to do so.
Like Tonga, Samoa will have a vast array of Super League and NRL talent to call upon (that is unless either the Kiwi’s or Kangaroos have a change of heart and poach players away).
One player that will wear the Samoan jersey regardless of eligibility is South Sydney centre Nigel Vagana.
Vagana will play, and captain Samoa for the first time in an illustrious career that has seen him represent New Zealand on 38 occasions, scoring 19 Test tries. The 33 year old’s experience will be critical in determining how far the Samoan national team can go in this years World Cup.
Although Vagana will take on a leadership role with Samoa, Leeds Rhinos forward Ali Lauitiiti could be the headline act come late October.
Lauitiiti was indeed the premier backrower back in his NRL days. 2002 was when he really stood out as he claimed the Dally M backrower of the year award, whilst also helping the New Zealand Warriors reach their maiden Grand Final against eventual premiers the Sydney Roosters.
His legs may be aging with every passing day, but try telling the 29 year old he can no longer make a difference.
And even if Lauitiiti’s game is not up to international standard, their will be others in the Samoan pack eager to take his mantle as the premier game breaker in the side.
Among those eager for redemption is new Broncos signing Ben Te’o, who was back- lashed by his former Tigers team-mates for letting the side down on numerous occasions.
Te’o will be desperate to atone for a disappointing end to season 2008 with some blockbusting performances upfront for Samoa. It could be the key in securing Te’o a regular starting birth in Brisbane under Ivan Henjak.
If the likes of Te’o and Lauitiiti are on their game come World Cup time, Samoa have enough firepower in the backline to make opposition defences pay.
Bulldogs pocket rocket Matt Utai and hard running Sharks winger Misi Taulapapa all know their way to the tryline, while Francis Meli and Willie Talau will add much needed steel in defence.
If everything is to click for the Samoans however, Bulldogs half Ben Roberts has to orchestrate the side accordingly if they are to be any hope.
Too often has Roberts gone missing in big occasions. His running game is exceptional but his link up play with his team-mates is less than so.
Roberts is easily overwhelmed by a sense of occasion and needs to get rid of the insecurities that derive in his attacking game.
If Roberts is finally able to perform when it counts, it could be the spark that both he, and Samoa use to garner some silverware come late November.
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