Samoa coach Galumalemana Rudolf 'Rudi' Moors is cautiously optimistic about his team’s chances at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009.
Samoa come into the tournament on the back of a poor run of results, during which they have failed to progress beyond the quarter finals at the past four IRB Sevens World Series events in Dubai, George, Wellington and most recently, San Diego.
But Moors feels that his side’s preparation for RWC Sevens will help them rediscover the form that enabled them to finish third in each of the past two IRB Sevens World Series.
“We have not performed well in the last four tournaments and I think the boys can feel it. I think there is another big step up for them and our preparation and training for the World Cup is really good and everyone has stepped up and put in 100 per cent on the training pitch,” he said.
“I think that the reason for our recent form is that we have lost big players and at the time of a World Cup it is hard to bring players in, but we believe the boys here are really good. We are looking forward to this weekend.”
Samoa face Ireland in their first Pool D game on Thursday and Moors insists his side will not underestimate their opposition.
Tough pool
“We have to respect and expect every team and everything ahead of the pool games because every pool is tough and every game is very tough.
“We think they (Ireland) are a very good team but we have to play well and I think the boys can do it.”
The return of former captain Uale Mai has added some much needed experience to a young Samoan squad. Moors believes Mai’s presence will bring the best out of his young players.
“I think Uale’s impact is huge for our young players coming up. Our team is very young and I always encourage them to pick up something new from these players.
“He has been to this tournament for many years and he gives the players a lot of encouragement, which is good for the players.”
In Mai’s absence, the captain’s armband was passed to Ofisa Treviranus, and the new skipper is looking forward to leading his side out in Dubai.
“This is my first time in a World Cup and I am very proud to be here, especially as captain of my country. The first thing is to try hard and do the best with all our heart and spirit and I think we look forward to a good performance and good games,” said Treviranus.
Samoa’s failure to reach the Cup quarter final at RWC Sevens 2005 in Hong Kong meant they had to qualify for this year's event, which they did convincingly with a 52-0 Oceania final victory over Tonga.
Treviranus believes Samoa are more than capable of beating anyone they play.
“The teams to watch are the top six teams, like England, Fiji, South Africa and New Zealand, but we have come to win. We are all the same. Same body, same physical game, same physical players, so I think we can look forward to beating them.
“The past three tournaments have been different but we look forward to this World Cup because this is bigger than the IRB circuit.”
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