Â鶹APP

10 Things To Know About The Samoa National Rugby Team

The Manu Samoa, commonly known as the Samoa National Rugby Team, is a formidable opponent in the sport of rugby. The Samoan team has established itself as one of the most revered and feared in all of international rugby thanks to its rich cultural background and a reputation for brawn and violence on the field. There are many unique facets of the Samoan rugby team worth investigating, such as their customary pre-match war dance and their storied rivalry with Fiji and Tonga. In this post, we’ll look more closely at 10 facts you should know about the Samoa National Rugby Team, from their background and accomplishments to their distinctive playing style and cultural identity.

1. The Samoa National Rugby Team Is Also Known As The Manu Samoa

As one of the most consistent rugby teams in the world, the Samoan national rugby team has been participating in international competitions since 1986, producing a mixture of results. Back home the fans often refer it as the “Manu Samoa” insinuating a “bird,” and it alludes to the country’s stylized bird-based national crest.

2. Rugby Union Is The National Sport of Samoa

The Samoans are known to eat rugby, sleep rugby and dream rugby. It is the most popular sport in this small country that has seen the game shape the culture of the people over the years. The team has been able to compete effectively in both the 15s and 7s versions of the game and are able to offer stiff competition to their opponents whenever they are playing. It is slowly getting to the status of a superpower.

3. The Team Is Known For Their Physicality And Aggressive Style of Play

Before every game, the Samoan sports teams perform the Manu Siva Tau, a war dance. The Siva Tau is a traditional battle dance performed by the Samoan rugby team before each game. It is used to psyche up the players, and, scare the opponents. Due to the high pitch of the dance, it finds a way of inspiring the players and has contributed to the reputation of Samoan players being known to have an aggressive style of play that is intimidating to their opponents. The dance which came into existence before the 1991 World Cup, incorporates chanting, stamping, and rhythmic body movements, portraying the rich Samoan culture and a sense of identity.

4. The Team Has Appeared In Every World Cup

Samoa sevens team 2009. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The team is a regular participant in international rugby and has appeared in every Rugby World Cup tournament. This tournament is considered the most prestigious rugby tournament in the world and it is always an honor to feature. However, they do not have much to show for this in terms of achievement. Incidentally, their best performance came in 1991 Rugby World Cup, where they managed to reach the quarter-finals stage of the tournament.

5. Samoa’s Best Performance In A Rugby World Cup Was In 1991

The Samoans are very fond of the 1991 Rugby World Cup. The tournament played in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and France, saw them register their highest performance in World Rugby series over the years and up to now still remains the best. After producing a splendid performance at the group stages, they advanced to the quarter-final stage of the competition where they were defeated by Scotland. Despite the loss, they had already made a huge statement to the rugby world as an emerging giant. Their entertaining style of play makes them a darling of the fans whenever and wherever they are playing.

6.  Many Samoan Players Have Found Refuge In New Zealand and Europe Leagues

Uale Mai, Samoa sevens rugby 2009., , via Wikimedia Commons

Samoan players are known for their physique and style of play. Due to these, they are a favorite hunting ground from some of the best clubs around the world. There is a significant number of Samoan rugby players plying their trade in New Zealand’s local rugby leagues, enhancing the richness of these leagues. There other who have even denounced their citizenship to play for the All Blacks in international competitions. Still others have also gone ahead to play in the established and very competitive nations of the UK and France. This just indicates how serious and significant rugby is to the Samoan people.

7. Samoa’s Most-Capped Player Is Brian Lima

Samoa is also home to some of the most renowned rugby players in the world who have earned a lot of admiration from rugby enthusiasts. One player that stands out in the list is Brian Lima. He was an outstanding player between 1990 and 2007, and has been crowned Samoa’s most-capped player, a record that still stands to today. The superstar played a total of64 matches for Samoa during his playing career.  Due to his style of play, he was nicknamed “The Chiropractor” as he was fond of inflicting his opponents with fierce blows, both on and off the field, which often led to sever injuries. One of his remarkable achievements is playing in four Rugby World Cups, among them the famous 1991 team.

8. Samoa Is A Regular Participant In International Rugby Competitions

Samoa 2021 Rugby League World Cup. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The Samoa national rugby sevens team, referred to as Samoa Sevens or Manu Samoa 7s, competes in the annual World Rugby Sevens Series. It has achieved a lot of success over the years. Amongst the successes include; gold in 2007 and bronze in 1998, 2002, and 2010. The team has also been a regular participant in the World Rugby Sevens Series, often exciting fans with their flamboyant style of play and causing upsets to more established rugby teams. They were the surprise winners of the 2009–10 Series in large part due to 2010 World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Mikaele Pesamino who led all players with 56 tries scored.

9. The Samoan rugby Players Are Identified By Their Unique Tattoos  

The Samoan rugby squad pride themselves with a strong sense of cultural identity. They are mostly identified by their unique traditional Samoan tattoos with the “pe’a” for men and “malu” for women. What a way to celebrate your culture. Only Samoans are allowed to wear these tattoos, which are a source of pride and reflect community, power, prestige, respect, and dignity. Displaying their symbols and patterns is considered to be an act of disrespect by individuals without any cultural background or heritage impact.

10. Samoa’s Biggest Rugby Rivalries Are With Fiji and Tonga

Fiji Sevens Rugby Team at the 2009 Hong Kong Sevens. , , via Wikimedia Commons

One of the fiercest rivalry in the history of rugby is between Fiji and Tonga and is often challenging and thrilling. These rivalries, which combine historical, cultural, and sporting components, have produced some of the most intensely competitive international rugby matches. Both teams’ fans eagerly anticipate the “Pacific Nations Cup” games, which include teams from Samoa and Fiji. Similar to the contests between Samoa and Tonga that are a part of the “Polynesian Cup,” these rugby games are some of the most brutally violent and furious ever played. The Samoan team takes tremendous pride in these rivalries and frequently draws inspiration and vigor from them as they get ready for crucial matches.

From the above information, we have been able to demonstrate where the Samoan national rugby team still remains a force in the rugby world.