21 August 2025 – As Manu Samoa prepares for its first match of the Pacific Nations Cup against Tonga this weekend, the team has been forced to go without several players who featured against Scotland in July, including prop Kaynan Siteine-Tua, back-row Jonah Mau’u, fly-half Jacob Umaga, midfielder Duncan Paia’aua, and full-back Latrell Smiler-Ah Kiong.

Head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi said they have to work with what they have, but the is confident with the support they have received.

Saturday’s Pacific Nations Cup series opener between Samoa and Tonga will set the tone for both teams as they chase qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup (RWC).

Both teams will be eager to start their campaign with a win, as three RWC spots are available for four contenders: Samoa, Tonga, Canada and United States.

Manu Samoa jetted into Tonga on Monday and held their first training run in Nuku’alofa on Tuesday.

A large crowd turned up to welcome them.

The Manu Samoa to play Ikale Tahi at Teufaiva Park on Saturday is as follows:

Starting XV: Players, Villages & Clubs

1. Aki Seiuli – Pata, Falelatai & Sapunaoa Utah Warriors, USA
2. Pita Anae-Ah Sue – Faleasiu & Fasitoo Uta Houston SaberCats, USA
3. Michael Alaalatoa – Fasitoo Uta & Apia ASM Clermont, France
4. Benjamin Nee-Nee – Lalomanu & Salesatele Seawaves, Japan
5. Samuel Slade – Sapunaoa & Vailoa, Palauli Moana Pasifika, NZ
6. Taleni Seu – Eva & Solosolo Toyota Shokki Shuttles, Japan
7. Theo McFarland (C) – Salelavalu & Moamoa Saracens, UK
8. Iakopo Mapu – Faleula & Vaitele Fou Stade Francais, France
9. Melani Matavao – Fasitoo Uta & Laulii Moana Pasifika, NZ
10. AJ Alatimu – Vailima & Avao Ardmore Marist Club, NZ
11. Tuna Tuitama – Mulifanua & Faleasiu Moana Pasifika, NZ
12. Henry Taefu – Samatau & Falelatai Docomo Red Hurricanes, Japan
13. Melani Nanai – Falelatai & Papauta Capilano, Canada
14. Tomasi Alosio – Levi, Saleimoa & Falefa Ardmore Marist Club, NZ
15. Lolagi Visinia – Lufilufi & Afega Suburbs Rugby Club, Auckland, NZ
16. Luteru Tolai – Gagaifo, Lefaga & Aitutaki, Cook Islands Biarritz, France
17. Jarred Adams * – Lefagaoalii & Safune Suburbs Rugby Club, Auckland
18. Bradley Soo Amituanai* – Samata i Tai & Fasitoo Tai Waratahs, Australia
19. Michael Curry – Faatoia & Taufusi Moana Pasifika, NZ
20. Olajuwon Noa – Vaiusu & Safotu Seattle Seawolves, USA
21. Joel Lam* – Alafua & Satupaitea Burnside Rugby Football Club, NZ
22. Rodney Iona – Pata, Falelatai & Vaiafai, Iva Seattle Seawolves, USA
23. Elisapeta Alofipo – Saleaula & Salelologa Hunter Wildfire Newcastle, Australia.

* Denotes Potential Debutants