The Samoans start their Autumn Test series in north Wales as they help to launch the inaugural IRB Rugby Series at Eirias Park tonight. First-up at the new home of rugby in north Wales will be the heavyweight clash between the USA and Russia with the Samoan’s tackling Canada in the second game of the night.
It will be the start of a three match sequence for Lemi’s men, who then head south to face Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Friday, 16 November. Then they go to France to face another Tier 1 nation.
“Test rugby is a huge step up from the club game and we’re just delighted to be getting the chance to play some Tier 1 nations and to get greater exposure on the international stage for our players,” said Lemi.
“It has been a bit cold in Colwyn Bay, but the welcome has been very warm and all the boys are enjoying themselves. This is all part of the build-up to the 2015 World Cup and breaking out of our normal boundaries.
“We are used to playing against Fiji and Tonga every year, but this month will expose us to different teams and styles. We can’t afford to look past the Canada game at this stage because they are going to be very difficult opponents.
“This is exactly what Samoan rugby needs if we are going to improve and become a bigger threat at the World Cup and on the international stage.”
The two teams have only met twice before. Canada lost 41-22 when the two teams last met, in 2000 in Apia, while Samoa also won 17-13 in Vancouver in 1999.
