- SYDNEY: Samoa has included five players who worked under Australia coach Robbie Deans at the Canterbury Crusaders in its squad for Sunday’s one-off rugby test against the Wallabies.
Prop Sakaria Taulafo, flyhalf Tusi Pisi, fullback Paul Williams — son of All Blacks great Bryan Williams — scrumhalf Kahn Fotuali’i and reserve hooker Tii Paulo spent time with the Crusaders during Deans’ eight-year coaching reign.
Playmaker Fotuali’i is the only player still with Canterbury and was part of the team beaten 18-13 by the Queensland Reds in last weekend’s Super 15 final.
Eight members of Samoa’s 22-man squad are currently New Zealand-based, seven play in Britain, four in France and two in Japan. Coach Fuimaono Titmaea Tafua said Sunday’s test would help refine Samoa’s squad for the Rugby World Cup.