NEWS
more »Humble Samoa look to maintain top spot
Samoa coach Stephen Betham has attributed his sides’ success to their hard work, leaders, and family values.
The Samoans hold a slim three point lead over rivals New Zealand at the top of the IRB Sevens World Series table, with two legs to go at London (22-23 May) and Edinburgh (29-30 May).
Samoa have never won the overall IRB title but have dominated large chunks of the season reining victorious in the last three legs in Las Vegas, Adelaide, and Hong Kong.
Their squad for the European stretch of the season has a familiar look to it bolstered by the inclusion of exciting London Wasps winger David Lemi.
The Samoans have remarkably beaten New Zealand five times this season, but Betham is not getting carried away with his team’s dominance over the Kiwis.
“It is all credit to the boys they have shown up this year and made my job a lot easier,” said Betham speaking to the IRB.
"I don't think there's a secret to it, I think it's a bit of luck and some calls that have gone our way. We set out to play each game to win and we try our best but it's a combination of luck and hard work. Maybe it will shift to New Zealand this weekend?
"I think it's been a combination of a family culture and rugby culture all put together and the team has reacted to each other”.
Expectation rising
Experienced playmakers Uale Mai and Lolo Lui have once again been hugely influential characters within the side, with their importance recognised by the coach.
Speedster Mikaele Pesamino has already scored 47 times this season, often at crucial junctures, and could once again prove the difference in London and Edinburgh.
"They (Mai & Lui) are crucial, the real leaders. They're the ones who when they speak people listen and they help the others find their place in the team," added Betham,
"We've tried to keep him (Pesamino) as fresh as possible, worked a lot on his speed and I think his confidence, which was maybe lacking before. We just hope that he can finish the last two legs strong."
Such is the enthusiasm for sevens in Samoa, Betham has revealed the increasing pressure his side have come under to live up to the growing expectations of their fans.
"To the people back home though it means a lot. Before we left we had a lot of people, elders, come in and give us good luck wishes, talks, and I think the boys started to feel the pressure before leaving.
“They know that when they take the field it won't be just 12 players but 180,000 people and that's the sort of emotion they'll be taking on with them this weekend."
Samoa Sevens squad for London and Edinburgh:
Ofisa Treviranus, Simaika Mikaele, Alafoti Fa'osiliva, Afa Aiono, Pale Toelupe, Uale Mai, Lolo Lui, David Lemi, Reupena Levasa, Mikaele Pesamino, Timoteo Iosua, Fautua Otto
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COMMENTS
zyman Sat 22 May 2010 00:48
The Samoan players don't have to prance around as if they don't belong. The hardest task was getting to the top. We can see for years that they lacked confidence and stamina and the feeling of a deer in the headlights. Coach Betham has kept them well balanced no matter the score down 14-0 to the Kiwis in HK. Now they know they can do it; there is no stopping them now as they will SHOCK THE WORLD of rugby. You Go The Manu
Reply | Report this PostPastor Sepi Suluape Paulo Sat 22 May 2010 12:58
Ia manuia lo outou faamoemoe i lenei week end. To Lolo Lui especially, alolofa atu lo tatou aiga uma i Aukilani. Aunty Soe and grandma Ainiu Uelese Falefa Luatua. Go manu
Reply | Report this PostLe Fualaga Sun 23 May 2010 08:45
ia kaoko maia gai o oukou moomooga sei ou alo aku i le kaaloga , leaga e faigaka lau kou kapuaiga ..aua le popole faikalia au ma fai a makou sikoa....kau ia iga ia fai fai malu ou faiva kapuai ae sei ou alo aku i le faagakama . maguia le kapuaiga....e malo kakou
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