Former Wallaby drafted in as Manu Sāmoa hunt win against Namibia

Manu Sāmoa vs Namibia

Kick off: Friday 14 November, 4.30am (NZT)

Location: The Sevens 2, Dubai, UAE

Manu Sāmoa are gearing up for their second qualifying match in Dubai, facing familiar opponents, Namibia, as they look to continue their strong start in the 2025 Rugby World Cup qualification series.

Sāmoa have defeated Namibia in both of their previous encounters, 40-13 at the 2003 RWC in Australia and 49-12 at the 2011 RWC in Rotorua.

Ranked 17th in the world, the Manu will be the favourites heading into Friday’s clash, with Namibia sitting 10 places below at 27th. But positive results for the Africans could see them climb above the Netherlands in the world rankings.

Scott Sio will debut for Manu Sāmoa against Namibia in Dubai on Friday, NZT. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

Head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi has made several changes to his lineup, including a major addition - former Wallabies prop Scott Sio.

The experienced 74-test Australian forward last played international rugby in 2022. He makes his debut in Sāmoan colours - a moment that’s drawing plenty of attention from fans across the Pacific.

For Sāmoa, a loss on Friday wouldn’t just affect their world ranking; it would also put their Rugby World Cup qualification hopes in jeopardy.

Speaking in an interview with Pacific Huddle, former Ikale Tahi and All Blacks player Pita Alatini weighed in on Sāmoa's current position.

“We can’t not have a World Cup unfortunately without the Manu. The Manu have put so much into our game… I’ve got full confidence, I’ve seen the players that have been named for this and it is so great to have those guys available,” Alatini says.

Few of Manu Samoa's debutants. Photo/Facebook

Sāmoa has one more game against Belgium on Wednesday, 19 November at the Dubai National Stadium, 4.30am (NZT)

Some key facts include:

• Sāmoa made the most line breaks in round one (16), with Va’afauese Apelu Maliko recording four of them and a round-high 235 carry metres.

• Sāmoa have won 14 of their previous 21 tests in Asia, including their last two. Four of their last five wins on the continent have come after being level or behind at half-time.

• Namibia have lost their previous 10 tests against Oceania nations, with an average margin of 47 points. Eight of those defeats came at Rugby World Cups.

• Both hookers, Torsten van Jaarsveld (Namibia), and Mills Sanerivi (Sāmoa), recorded 100 per cent lineout success in round one.

TEAMS

Manu Sāmoa: Scott Sio, Sama Malolo, Tietie Tuimauga, Taleni Seu, Theo McFarland, Miracle Faiilagi, Alamanda Motuga, Iakopo Mapu, Jonathan Taumateine, Rodney Iona, Va’afauese Apelu Maliko, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tumua Manu, Latrell Smiler Ah-Kiong. Substitutes - Mills Sanerivi, Titi Lamositele, Michael Ala’alatoa, Benjamin Nee-Nee, Abraham Papali’i, Connor Tupai, Faletoi Peni, Tuna Tuitama.

Namibia: Otja Auala, Louis van der Westhuizen, Aranos Coetzee, Adriaan Ludick, Johan Retief, Prince Gaoseb, Max Katjijeko, Adriaan Booysen, Hilarious Kisting, Cliven Loubster, JC Greyling, Johan Deysel, Jay-Cee Nel, Danie van der Merwe, Divan Rossouw. Substitutes - Armand Combrinck, Gianluca Savoldelli, Haitembu Shifuka, Johan Luttig, Wian Conradie, AJ Kearns, Andre van der Berg, Jurgen Meyer.

Current standings after round one

Standings. Photo/World Rugby.