Manu Samoa’s November boost: three former All Blacks join the squad

The names are now in a squad

Samoa Global News reported on 8 October that the three former All Blacks had been named for November. Its published list also includes AJ Lam, Etene Nanai-Seturo and former Wallaby Irae Simone. Theo McFarland returns after missing July. These are reported squad selections, rather than the earlier recruitment possibilities. [1]

Three matches to start building combinations

RugbyPass describes a 30-player squad with eight uncapped members. It reports Zimbabwe as Samoa’s opening opponent on 7 November, followed by Portugal and Spain. Being named creates the opportunity for a debut; it does not establish who will start or guarantee a place at the 2027 World Cup. [2]

Depth is valuable when roles connect

Our reading is that this squad gives Samoa more ways to organise its attack and backfield. The preparation question is how quickly players arriving from different clubs can share the same decisions: where to receive the ball, when to kick and how to cover the next phase. A talented group still needs rehearsal. Watch whether support arrives after a break and whether the chase follows the kick as one unit.

Measure the team across all three Tests

Use the November matches to compare similar situations, rather than judge the group from one highlight. How does Samoa exit its own half under pressure? Who controls possession when the first attacking option is shut down? Do replacement players keep the same shape? Those observations will say more about World Cup preparation than treating individual reputations as a prediction of results.

What to watch next

Check the matchday teams and actual debuts, then follow the combinations across Zimbabwe, Portugal and Spain. Recheck injuries and availability before each Test. This briefing reflects the October squad reporting; later country news keeps its own original publication dates.

Keep your own match observations.