Top 14 heavy Samoa side to play additional World Cup warm-up

Manu Samoa are gearing up to face a formidable Barbarians side in an additional Rugby World Cup warm-up match in Brive.

The Manu Samoa squad boasts an impressive lineup with a heavy French accent, with no less than 13 players plying their trade in the Top 14 league. There will also be southern hemisphere club interest too, with the likes of Christian Lealiano and Lima Sopoaga also set to star after making the switch thanks to World Rugby’s new eligibility laws.

The Samoan squad will include Jordan Taufua, Charlie Faumuina, Brian Alainu’uese, TieTie Tuimauga, Tim Nanai-Williams, Tumua Manu, Fritz Lee, Duncan Paia Aua, Paul Alo-Emile, Genesis Mamea Lemalu and UJ Senteni; all who currently play their rugby in France.

RugbyPass understands that the Barbarians side will be coached by Bristol Bears head coach Pat Lam and will include a number of test stars.

Before heading to Brive, the Manu Samoa team have a busy schedule in the lead-up to the game. They are set to take on Japan this weekend at the Sapporo Dome, followed by two matches on Samoa soil.

They then journey to Paris prior to arrival in Brive, where they will spend the week acclimatizing. The Barbarians will join them in Brive for the week.

Following their time in Brive, Seilala Mapusua’s team will head to Bayonne to take on Ireland, continuing their Rugby World Cup preparations.

With Brive not featuring as a stadium at the World Cup, it also serves as an opportunity for locals to enjoy some international calibre rugby prior to the flagship event later in the year.

You can buy tickets for the game HERE.