“As a past player we know exactly what is happening, we’ve been there, done that. Just put the team first” – Filipo Levi.
Former Manu Samoa captain Filipo Levi has taken to social media to make a plea to all available players for Samoa to “put the team first”.
The 25 test caps forward made the call out, in response to Manu Samoa’s last gasp World Cup qualifier chance this November.
Manu Samoa are on a current six game streak of failing to secure a win under its new leadership team led by coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi.
After failing to notch up a win in the recent Pacific Nations Cup, Manu also failed to gain qualification for the World Cup with losses to Chile and America.
Their campaign was also not helped with speculations of players not making themselves available due to personal matters. Key players that were not selected included Miracle Faiilagi, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Jonathan Taumateine and others.
With one more chance to qualify in the last remaining spot of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Filipo is hoping that players will put aside whatever issues are at front, and represent Samoa to qualify through.
“As a past player, we know exactly what is happening,” Levi said.
“We’ve been through it. Been there and done that. We’ve been through the issues we understand”
“This is a call out to all of you, to make yourself available for November. It’s our last few games so we can get into the Rugby World Cup”
A former teammate of Levis and now coach of Manu Samoa, Lemalu Tusi Pisi was asked earlier this year in his first match in charge of Manu about the players who made themselves unavailable.
This was ahead of their clash with Scotland at Eden Park. Lemalu kept his answer short and sure.
“The players that we do have are the best players,” Lemalu said.
“For me it’s about celebrating those who have put their hand up, and they deserve to be here”
Manu Samoa are no strangers from off field issues mingling within their team camp. And it’s an issue both Filipo Levi and Lemalu are quite aware of during their time as players.
In 2011 when both players were representing Samoa in the Rugby World Cup, their campaign was marred by issues outside of their matches.
A report led by then captain Mahonri Schwalger in 2011, highlighted that management and admin of the team during the campaign were described as “unproffesional”.
But as Filipo Levi highlighted in his video, sometimes it’s all about blocking out the noise and focusing on the team and jersey.
“If you have problems, just leave it alone. Don’t worry”
“Just put the team first. Get in contact with coach Lemalu, the boys Census and Kane and the management. Just turn up”
Manu Samoa’s last chance of going to the World Cup takes place in November in Dubai, where they find themselves up against Namibia, Belgium and the winner between Brazil and Paraguay.
