Balance and focus drive Manu Sāmoa ahead of Scotland showdown

Manu Sāmoa’s newly-appointed head coach, Lemalu Tusiata Pisi, has made it clear ahead of his team’s upcoming test against Scotland that the focus will be on those who are ready to contribute, not those who are absent.

Since taking the reins in April, the former Manu Sāmoa flyhalf says it’s important to control what can be controlled as he leads his team into a new campaign.

While acknowledging that some players have not made themselves available, Pisi aims to celebrate those who have stepped up to play.

In an interview with PMN sports reporter William Tuilagi, Pisi highlighted that leadership is shared among the members of the fresh Manu side.

“My stance is really clear: whoever comes in and performs, those guys are moving on to the next campaign,” Pisi says.

“All of them are leaders of men. It’s their standard on and off the field that drives this team; their habits off the field reflect their habits on the field.”

Looking ahead to their first match against an impressive Scotland side, Pisi emphasised that a strong start is crucial for setting the foundation for the game.

With a historic triumph over the Māori All Blacks under their belt, Pisi notes that achieving balance is key for victory.

“You win by margins, you lose by margins. So the first 20 minutes are key for our game drivers and also our set piece to get parity in there.

“And then making sure that we don't overplay in certain bits of the field that we don't want to overplay in. It’s just about getting that balance,” he says.

As he takes on this coaching role, Pisi has enlisted the support of a few former team-mates to help with the challenge.

Census Johnston will coach the scrum and overall forwards, while Kane Thompson will guide the lineouts and contact skills. Tai Lavea, head coach of Toshiba Brave Lupus, will assist with defence.

Manu Sāmoa players Taleni Seu, left, Niko Jones, right, at the fan day. Photo/Faith Jones.

The Manu Sāmoa fan day, held at Ōtara Town Centre, brought smiles to fans as they shook hands with players and coaching staff.

With a clear stance and the stage set, kick-off is scheduled for 8.05pm at Eden Park on Friday.

In other international tests this week: On Saturday, the All Blacks play France at FMG Stadium in Waikato in the final match of the Lipovitan-D series, while the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions will face off in Brisbane in the first of three test matches. An action-packed Sunday will follow, with the world champions, South Africa, taking on Georgia, Argentina against Uruguay, and then the USA will face England.

For the women's: On Saturday, Japan take on Spain at the Mikuni Stadium in Kitakyushu, while Brazil and the Netherlands play on Sunday, followed by USA women against Fiji at the Audi field in Washington.