5 August 2023 Apia Samoa. Just before 11am, four hours before kick-off, Duncan Paiaaua’s family had arrived with their Samoa flags, ready to cheer on the Manu Samoa set to take on Tonga’s Ikale Tahi this afternoon.
First to arrive at Apia Park stadium, settled into their seats at the Southern stand, was Duncan Paiaaua’s father and sister who had travelled all the way from Brisbane to support Manu Samoa’s starting outside centre.
Duncan Paia’aua, 28, from Mutiatele and Satupaitea clocked 35 appearances for the Queensland Reds before he moved to Europe where he is currently contracted to Toulon. He is once again paired with Ulupano Seuteni in the midfield of today’s match against Tonga’s Malakai Fekitoa and Afusipa Taumoepeau.
This was the midfield combination Manu Samoa had against Japan.
Speaking to Samoa Global News, Duncan’s dad, Saulagafea Kolose said he wishes the Manu Samoa management and players all the best for today’s match.
He called on the Samoa tapuaiga to be patient as the Manu Samoa get their bearings as a team and test combinations ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
“Ia manuia tele le tapuaiga i lenei aso. Maua pea e tatou le fiafia. O lea lava le tulaga e oo iai le taumafaiga a alo ma fanau, ia tatou talisapaia lava ma tatou fiafia…”
Vaovasamanaia has selected a strong side to take on Tonga this weekend, with 11 changes from the team that went down 33-19 to Fiji last weekend.
Manu Samoa v Ikale Tahi will kick off at 3pm this afternoon in Samoa’s third and final match of the World Rugby Pacific Championship.
