Samoa and Tonga previously played together in the last trophy where Tonga beat hosts and went on to play in the 2019 World Rugby Under 20s Trophy in Spain.
Samoa Captain East Timor Faamatuainu said that preparations for the trophy have been gruelling as the team over the last couple months have been working to get the right pieces in play.
“We have been preparing for months now and preparations have been tough,” Faamatuaniu said.
“We know that Tonga is a good and strong opponent and they have quite a few physical players too, so we’re working and hopefully the game will work well if we follow our game plan and set pieces,” he said.
“Our management has been putting a lot of work into it, to working with our set pieces and elements through the game,” Faamatuaniu added.
“These are hardworking guys and I’m proud of them. I am confident in our performance this weekend,” he said.
Tonga Captain Ofa He Fonua Manukeu said that although preparations have been challenging, the team is ready to play as the whole team has now assembled in Samoa.
“It’s been hard with preparations, but we’re altogether now and we’re ready,” Manukeu said.
“I am very humbled to lead out the team this weekend,” he said.
“Our goal is to win the game and to get the trophy. I think it’s going to be a tough game, with the weather raining hard on us, but the the boys are preparing to play against Samoa,” Manukeu added.
The game will kick off at 4.00pm Western Samoa Local Time and tickets will be sold at the grounds.
Match Details:
Samoa Under 20s v Tonga Under 20sSaturday February 22, 2020
4.00PM Samoa Local Time
Apia Park Stadium, Samoa
Broadcast Details:
Television Broadcast will be on TV3 Samoa.Livestream Broadcast will be on Oceania Rugby Facebook, Twitter and Digicel Play Go
