By Matt Findlay

Manu Samoa coach Stephen Betham admitted his side’s second placing at the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) wasn’t the ideal way to go into the 2015 Rugby World Cup (RWC), but said it certainly isn’t a bad preparation by any means.

Betham named his 31-squad for RWC several days ago, and the group is a direct reflection of the afore-mentioned tournament, with a number of locally-based players earning selection as a result.

Prop prop Jake Grey, scrum-half Vavao Afemai and goal-kicking fly-half Patrick Faapale all did enough in Betham’s eyes.

“We are looking to compete at the World Cup,” Betham said recently.

“On the day we can beat any side in the world. When we played the All Blacks recently we were nine out of 10.

“It is my job to make sure we don’t go back to having off-days and scoring four out of 10.

“This has been an incredibly difficult selection process as we have had to leave behind some excellent players … there is comfort is knowing that we have depth should we need to call on it.”

Hurricanes midfielder Rey Lee-Lo earned a recall to the national squad after, like the similarly recalled Tusiata, Ken and George Pisi, he wasn’t a part of the PNC side.

The PNC performance combined with a strong showing against the All Blacks earlier in the year gives Betham hope, although a wobbly warm-up game against the Barbarians will have seriously dented his confidence.

Samoa opens its RWC campaign against the USA – a must win clash.

PLAYER TO WATCH – Tim Nanai-Williams (fullback):

A veteran of 77 Super Rugby games for the Chiefs, Nanai-Williams was one of Samoa’s only shining lights in the side’s 27-24 loss to the Barbarians, although the final scoreline might not say as much.

In particular, Nanai-Williams looked dangerous in space during the game, especially from broken play, and was also strong during Samoa’s historic loss to the All Blacks in Apia earlier this year.

With plenty of experience, and an undoubted ability to score tries from nigh on anywhere on the paddock Nanai-Williams will want to hit his straps come Samoa’s opening game against the Americans.

SQUAD

Forwards: Viliamu Afatia, Jake Grey, Logovii Mulipola, Anthony Perenise, Sakaria Taulafo, Wayne Ole Avei, Ma’atulimanu Leiataua, Motu Matu’u, Faatiga Lemalu, Teofilo Paulo, Kane Thompson, Iosefa (Joe) Tekori, Maurie Faasavalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam, Vavae Tuilagi, Ofisa Treviranus (captain).

Backs: Vavao Afemai, Kahn Fotualii, Patrick Fa’apale, Tusiata Pisi, Mike Stanley, Rey Lee-Lo, Johnny Leota, George Pisi, Paul Perez, Fa’atoina Autagavaia, Ken Pisi, Tim Nanai-Williams, Alesana Tuilagi.

FIXTURES

Sunday, September 20: vs USA; Brighton Community Stadium, Brighton; 12pm

Saturday, September 26: vs South Africa; Villa Park, Birmingham; 4.45pm

Saturday, October 3: vs Japan; Stadiummk, Milton Keyne; 2.30pm

Saturday, October 10: vs Scotland; St James Park, Newcastle upon Tyne; 2.30pm