Record fifth World Cup for Samoan legend
Brian Lima will become the first to play in five Rugby World Cups after the veteran centre cum wing was named by Samoa coach Michael Jones in his 30-man squad for France 2007.
The 35-year-old has played in every single one of Samoa’s 16 matches on the World Cup stage from their dream debut victory against Wales in Cardiff in October 1991 to their final Pool C game against South Africa 12 years later.
If Lima continues this tradition by appearing in all of Samoa’s four matches in Pool A in France – against defending champions England, South Africa, Tonga and USA – then only England prop Jason Leonard [23] will have played more games than the Samoan.
Semo Sititi will again captain the side from number 8 in what will be his third World Cup, while prop Kasiano Lealamanua, hooker Mahroni Schwalger, scrum half Steve So’oialo and wing Lome Fa’atau returning for their second tournament.
The squad also features three of the Tuilagi brothers in Henry, Alesana and Anitelea, who will be following in the footsteps of their older sibling Freddie in playing for Samoa at a World Cup – Freddie having come on in the 1995 quarter final against South Africa.
Jones – one of two former World Cup winners who head to France as a national coach – has his sights set on a third quarter final appearance, but to do this they will have to beat either South Africa or England, having come close against the latter in 2003.
Samoa open their World Cup campaign against 1995 champions South Africa at the Parc des Princes in Paris on 9 September, before facing fellow Pacific islanders Tonga in Montpellier, England in Nantes and the USA Eagles in St Etienne.
The squad leave Samoa on 10 August to travel to the United Kingdom, where they have three warm up games against English Premiership sides Harlequins on 17 August and Sale Sharks on 24 August, with a game at relegated Northampton Saints on 19 August.
Samoa squad:
Forwards (16): Justin Va’a, Census Johnston, Kasiano Lealamanua, Mahonri Schwalger, Donald Kerslake, Muliufi Salanoa, Silao Vaisola Sefo, Filipo Levi, Kane Thompson, Daniel Leo, Iosefa Tekori, Ulia Ulia, Henry Tuilagi, Siuleo Lafaialii, Justin Purdie, Semo Sititi (Captain).
Backs: Steve So’oialo, Junior Poluleuligaga, Loki Crichton, Lolo Lui, Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono, Jerry Meafou, Anitelea Tuilagi, David Lemi, Seilala Maposua, Elvis Seveali’i, Brian Lima, Lome Fa’atau, Alesana Tuilagi, Gavin Williams.
