The Manu Samoa management have named the starting lineup for their first game in the Rugby World Cup against South Africa. Laauli added "the selected team is the best inform players at the start of the RWC campaign. The forward pack would be the key to our success. If they can mentally sustained for 80 minutes then we would have as a good chance to cause an upset. What is critical at a game of this level is the ability to maintain possession up to the minimum of 7 phases. If we come below then we will suffer the consequences".

Rugby pundits have written off Samoa for their game against South Africa, however South Africa do not want to become victims of complacency and have selected the most capped team in the history of South African rugby. This is a sign of respect accorded to the Manu Samoa team and South Africa are determined to win and will not underestimate Samoa.

The opening game between France and Argentina is sold out and it is expected most RWC games will also be sold out.

The only hiccup to the Manu Samoa team is the sad news of Anitelea Tuilagi who has been ruled out after sustaining a wrist injury from the team training session on Tuesday. Anitelea was attempting to catch an overhead ball when he felt his wrist give way expectantly. Anitelea has been replaced by Sailosi Tagicagibau who currently plays for the London Irish professional team.

The team has had its final team run this morning with the Team Captain's run scheduled for tomorrow morning, France time.

The team lineup for South Africa is as follows: