Manusina XV turn to experience after 70-0 Dutch lesson in HK

Sāmoa are turning to experience, composure, and a tougher approach at the breakdown after their 70-0 loss to the Netherlands last weekend exposed the gap between club and international rugby.

Manusina head coach Fuimaono Bella Milo has made several changes for Saturday’s WXV Global Series Challenger clash with Spain.

Milo has brought more experience into key areas as her side looks to respond in Hong Kong.

Sāmoa face Spain at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground at 4pm NZT on Saturday, with the two sides meeting for the first time in 12 years. Spain won their last meeting 41-5 at the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

In an interview with Pacific Huddle host Tuilagi William Leolahi, Milo says the heavy defeat to the Dutch exposed areas her players need to improve especially when placed under pressure by a more experienced international side.

“The reality is our players were not able to bridge that gap from club rugby to international rugby and I think the performance on the weekend showed our level of I guess mental toughness," she said.

Manusina head coach Fuimaono Bella Milo says Sāmoa must improve their mental toughness and contact work against Spain. Photo/Supplied/PMN News composite

The Manusina were unable to cope with the Netherlands’ pressure for long periods but Milo says the second half showed there is something to build on.

“We asked for a response in the changing room at half time and I think our players delivered that but the reality the big reality for our players is just that mental side of it.”

Captain Michelle Curry says the pace and physicality of the Netherlands caught the team off guard.

Manusina captain Michelle Curry says the team has taken lessons from their heavy loss to the Netherlands. Photo/Facebook/Manusina XV

“I think it was more the physicality that shocked us and that's why we kind of highlighted our work around breakdown and our contact zones that needed work,” she told Tuilagi.

Sāmoa made only a handful of changes for Spain with Maletina Maevaga-Brown moving into the starting front row after impressing from the bench.

Hastings Leiataua comes in at halfback as Milo looks for greater experience around the nine and 10 channel while Drenna Falaniko moves closer to the ball at inside centre.

Janita Faoagali Kareta is also in line to make her debut from the bench.

Milo says Falaniko was one of the bright spots from the Netherlands match as the Manusina also created seven line breaks despite having little possession.

“We're looking to line break again so if we can get those opportunities we've got some elusive backs there,” the coach said.

Sāmoa’s Manusina faced a tough test against the Netherlands in their WXV Global Series Challenger opener in Hong Kong. Photo/World Rugby

But the focus this week has been on winning the physical battle first.

“Leg drive shoulders on and defensively we've got to find the inner beast I think and that's something that we've really pushed for our forwards to that's we've got to roll up our sleeves and show that we want to be that contact area.”

Curry says the response is about taking the lessons from the loss and not allowing it to define the group.

“I think as a collective, especially for us like more the leadership group and the experienced players, is just being able to okay this is the result and not dwelling on it too much and just take the lessons and hopefully we action those.”

She says the experience could bring the team closer together.

“It's more this hardship, it's going to bring us together even more and yeah hopefully that's that's going to be the outcome.”

Listen to Fuimaono Bella Milo and Michelle Curry's full interview below.

Spain will provide another tough test after they pushed Fiji to the final stages in the opening round before Fijiana completed a 38-32 comeback win.

Fiji now face Hong Kong China at 7.30pm NZT on Saturday and will want to build on their first-ever win over Spain.

Fijiana coach Willie Walker has made several changes to their starting line-up after last weekend’s outing. Iva Nabura Rokowati has got the nod at full-back, Josivini Neihamu and Aqela Raitubu start at 12 and 11 respectively while number eight Manuqalo Komaitai takes over the captaincy from scrum-half Kolora Lomani, who drops to the bench, with Evivi Senikarivi starting.

Hong Kong China opened their campaign with a 29-24 comeback win over Brazil in other results last weekend.

But for Sāmoa, the challenge is clear: turn the lessons from the Netherlands defeat into a more composed and physical performance against Spain this weekend.

For more details on the WXV Global Series Challenger, click here.

Fiji came from 32-19 down to beat Spain 38-32 in a thrilling WXV Global Series Challenger opener. Photo/World Rugby

TEAMS

Sāmoa: Taytana Pati Ah Cheung; Tyra Boysen-Auimatagi, Drenna Falaniko, Fa’asua Makisi, Davina Lasini; Hasting Leiataua, Ana Afuie; Maletina Maevaga-Brown, Precious Auimatagi, Avau Filimaua, Olalini Tafoulua, Easter Savelio; Faith Nonutunu, Michelle Curry, Linda Fiafia. Replacements: Janika Faogali-Kareta, Octavia Nanai-Iafeta, Leki Leilua, Machiko Silila Fepuleai, Itema Takisha Filipaina, Janell Fa’anana Fereti, Melina Grace Salale, Leutu Iafeta-Suaesi.

Spain: Lea Ducher; Claudia Pérez, Claudia Peña, Maider Aresti, Ana Cortés Ekobo; Naroa Azpitarte, Anne Fernández de Corres; Inés Antolínez, Alba Capell, Sidorella Bracic; Beatriz Rivera, Victoria Rosell, Valentina Pérez, Carmen Nwatu, Carmen Castellucci. Replacements: María Miguel, Gemma Silva, Eider García, Izar Casado, Nerea García, Matilda Toca, Amaia Erbina, Amalia Argudo.

Fiji: Litiana Vueti, Atelaite Ralivanawa, Adi Salote Nailolo, Ruth Raketekete, Repeka Tove; Varanisese Qoro, Evivi Senikarivi; Karalaini Naisewa, Bitila Tawake, Tiana Robanakadavu; Karavaki Lutumaibau, Carletta Yee; Alfreda Fisher, Merewairita Neivoha, Manuqalo Komaitai (capt). Replacements: Selai Naliva, Zipporah Sorokacika, Adi Keri Lawavou, Nunia Daunimoala, Sereana Maragi, Kolora Lomani, Ivamere Nabura, Vasemaca Duva

Hong Kong China: Sabay Lynam; Ella Lynam, Abigail Chan, Lauren Knowler, Lucia Bolton; Lara Schats (capt), Rosie Down; Lau Nga Wun, Tanya Dhar, Kirstie Stevenson; Chloe Baltazar, Roshini Turner; Jenna Potgieter, Sui Wing ni Winnie, Grace Hood. Replacements: Lam Tim Yeung Iris, Ng Ki Sum, Lee Ka Shun, Chow Mei Nam, Isobel Littlehailes, Pun Wai Yan, Tsz Yau Wan, Georgia Cutt.