The Pacific Islanders have a reputation as a tough side with lots of talent which includes All Black experience
The team comes into their final warm-up game before France with some confidence already built up. They’ve won three of their last four warm-up games, notably defeating Japan, as well as Tonga, who are in Ireland’s World Cup Pool B, as well as the Barbarians. Samoa’s only loss of the series has come against Fiji.
The three Pacific Island nations have a combined population of just over one million – Fiji ; Samoa ; Tonga , much too small to generate revenue for professional rugby. Despite that, in 2019 it was reported that 20 per cent of the world’s professional players have Pacific Island heritage. Steven Luatua in action for the Barbarians: Now 32, the former All Blacks flanker brings experience and skill to the Samoan squad having won 15 caps for New Zealand. Photograph: Steve Bardens/Getty Images
Leali’ifano is a sprightly 35-years-old with 26 Australian caps, the last one in 2019. He also played with Ulster in 2017. Following successful treatment for leukaemia he went to Belfast on a five-month loan.
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