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Samoa dealt Tupou blow

Wednesday 21st November 2007

Island Style: Alatasi Tupou in action for Samoa during last season's IRB Sevens World Series

The Samoa Sevens squad was dealt a blow on Wednesday when half-back Alatasi Tupou was ruled out of the opening legs of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series due to a "serious illness".

The former Samoa Under-19 captain, who is believed to be the rising star in Samoa rugby, forced his way into the national Sevens team with commanding performances at the SamoaTel National Sevens Series earlier this year.

Tupou's illness comes just nine days before Samoa open their 2007/08 account in their Pool C clash against Kenya in the Dubai tournament, but the 19-year-old is set to return in time for the next six IRB Sevens World Series tournaments.

While coach Rudolf Moors was disappointed at having to make a change to the squad at such a late stage in the team's preparations, he remained upbeat about the team's prospects in the Dubai tournament.

Furthermore Tupou's replacement Reupena Levasa is more than capable of filling the void that now exists in the squad. Levasa is a product of the Samoan Sevens Development team that participated in the Papua New Guinea Sevens tournament earlier this month and certainly is no stranger to international competition.

"He has played superbly against the boys for the development team, so his selection to replace Alatasi [Tupou] comes as no surprise, Reupena [Levasa] has really picked himself into the squad," said Moors in a statement on Wednesday.

Moors explained why the incident was a classic example of why domestic players should play to their best of their abilities at all times.

Said Moors:"Injuries can happen when you least expect, so it goes to say, players must always be prepared to take the step up."

Samoa squad for Dubai and George (revised): Simaika Mikaele, Apelu Faaiuga, Alafoti Faosiliva, Alapasa Cortz, Mussolini Faalupega, Uale Mai, Lolo Lui, Roger Warren, Reupeni Levasa, Gasolo Salima, Pulemalie Sopo, Desmond Faaiuaso