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The recent three day camp at the village of Salepouae, Saleimoa leading up to the June game against the Magic Fijians proved to be an unforgettable event to many of the Manu Samoa players.
The village of Saleimoa converted the classrooms of the district school into living quarters for the Manu Samoa team and management. The program was developed by the Samoa Rugby Football Union under the strong guidance of the deputy C.E.O., Tuilagi Saipele Esera, with the intention of it becoming a regular event designed to introduce the Samoan life to the players, many of whom were born overseas.
The back to basics approach, which includes the village experience promotes the development of team member's individual learning, self-discipline and teamwork under difficult conditions. Mixing with the village people and seeing first hand the difficulties of growing up in a village motivates the boys to succeed.
As the sport becomes professional, Manu Samoa
seems to distance itself from the people. This is contrary to the
Samoan way of life in which warriors seek the blessings of its elderly
within a village before going into battle. It is customary in the
Samoan islands for elders to offer sanctimonious sentiment, to act as
strong motivation and inspire enthusiasm in the players.
Adjusting
to the village life of sleeping on mats, training on the village malae,
and having evening prayers with the whole family has created a sense of
belonging for many players. It weaves a connective line for many to their
roots and heritage.
Having
stayed in the village for three days, a small traditional farewell ceremony
(aiava') prepared by the villagers took place, where the team members
were presented gifts. The Youth Week's winning dancing group from Saleimoa,
provided entertainment. The Manu Samoa team in turn performed a few comedian
skits, the highlight of the evening was the performance of the Manu dance
or the Siva Tau in front of the whole village.
The trip fostered a special bond between the team and the people of Saleimoa. It proved to be a great opportunity for villagers to have the opportunity of standing hand-in-hand with some of the players and national heroes.
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Following their time spent in the village of Saleimoa, the Manu Samoa team first played against the Presidents IV which was won 37-8. The game against the Magic Fijians in Apia was lost in the last minute by one point. Manu Samoa later avenged their 16-17 defeat and resurrected its campaign leading up to the Rugby World Cup 2003 with it comprehensively beat Fiji by 22-12 in Nadi.
The
top two teams in the tournament, which also includes Tonga, will automatically
qualify for the 2003 spectacle in Australia, while the third team can
qualify though the repechage. At the moment Samoa and Fiji are tied on
six points apiece, but Samoa have the superior points different.
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