by Lorraine Genia – EM TV Sports, Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea rugby may be in for a tussle, against debutants American Samoa, in the Oceania Cup.
In his first visit to the country, Head Coach, Leoti Patu, is eager to have his boys show PNG, and the other countries, what they’re made of.
The American Samoans will come into the tournament, looking to play two styles of rugby, one that requires a strong breakdown and another that will spread the ball out wide.
Their participation in the Oceania Cup is an opportunity for them to step up to the next level, and be included in tier two of rugby alongside Manu Samoa, and Fiji.
But whether they can achieve that here in Papua New Guinea is something Coach, Leoti Patu, is keeping under the radar.
This will be the first time American Samoa plays Solomon Islands, Tahiti and Papua New Guinea.
Although they are unaware of each other’s style of rugby, coach Patu says, he will be looking to use his forwards, to keep the ball tight.
The American Samoans will most likely be PNG’s toughest opponent, and that is something PNG 15s Coach, Sydney Wesley, is aware of.
