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Manu Samoa coach Rudi Moors has decided to retain the majority of the squad that have won both the Punta del Este and Darwin Sevens, ahead of this weekend’s Wellington leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

With just two events remaining until the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai, normal team captain Uale Mai and fly half Lolo Lui are both ommited from the squad and named by Moors as non-travelling reserves.

“We based our selection on the consistency of players with their performance and in training,” explained Moors last week.

“Lolo’s fitness didn’t meet the required criteria, and we don’t know about Uale’s because he’s tied up with family matters overseas. They just have to prove it through their fitness and commitment.”

Ofisa Treviranus captained the Samoans to success in Australia two weeks ago, building on their earlier success at the Punta del Este Sevens in Uruguay at the beginning of the year. Treviranus and Alafoti Fa’osiliva have given increasing impetus in the forwards in recent weeks with Timoteo Iosua and Mikaele Pesamino a constant threat out wide.

Although Samoa have failed to progress past the Cup quarter final stages in the two IRB Sevens World Series events this season they must go to Wellington quietly confident.