Quartet named in Samoa World Cup squad

Chris Vui, Alapati Leiua and brothers James and Jordan Lay have all been named in Steve Jackson's squad, which was announced following their 36-19 victory over the New Zealand Heartland XV at Eden Park on Saturday.

Steve Jackson said the hit-out was just what the team needed before rounding out their preparations against Australia.

"It just goes to show, especially for the Heartland XV, in this Pasika Challenge II again that's been put on how much it means to all teams that are out there playing this afternoon.

"For most of those players in the Heartland XV it was their first time being on Eden Park and what an occasion for them to get up and play against an international team like ourselves as Manu Samoa," Jackson said.

"I thought they took their opportunities and I thought they played fantastic rugby and they were into everything and it was just what we needed moving into the Australia game."

Manu Samoa play their final pre-World Cup match against Australia in Sydney next weekend and open their tournament in Japan against Russia on September 24.

Samoa World Cup squad:

Seilala Lam, Motu Matu'u, Ray Niuia, Michael Alaalatoa, Paul Alo-Emile, James Lay, Jordan Lay, Logovi'i Mulipola, Kane Leaupepe, Filo Paulo, Senio Toleafoa, Chris Vui, Josh Tyrell, Afa Amosa, Piula Fa'asalele, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam, Scott Malolua, Melani Matavao, Dwayne Polotaivao, AJ Alatimu, UJ Seuteni, Tusi Pisi, Kieron Fonotia, Rey Lee-Lo, Henry Taefu, Alapati Leiua, Ed Fidow, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Tim Nanai-Williams, Ahsee Tuala.