Mapusua wary of threat from Wales

GUINNESS Premiership star Seilala Mapusua believes Samoa face a tougher challenge against Wales tomorrow night than if they were tackling Martin Johnson’s England.

The current International Rugby Board world rankings back up Mapusua’s theory – Wales are rated one place above England in seventh.

Mapusua, the blockbusting London Irish centre, points to greater cohesion and balance in a Wales side that has won 13 of its 19 Tests since New Zealander Warren Gatland took charge almost two years ago.

Samoan midfield ace Mapusua is a big fan of Brian Smith, the current England backs coach and his former rugby director at Irish. But the 29-year-old claimed: “In terms of what they (England) are doing, they are not executing things the way Brian would want. They are not really gelling at the moment.

“From what I have seen, Wales play more attractive rugby.

“If I am being honest, if England had one or two more guys who played like Jonny Wilkinson then they would probably would have won against Australia. And without Jonny there, I think they’d have really struggled.

“England have got a lot of threats across the park, but I don’t think they are playing as a team yet. Wales have got their star names, but they are more cohesive and playing as a team.”

Mapusua’s midfield confrontation with 6ft 4in Wales powerhouse Jamie Roberts promises some bone-crunching collisions between two of world rugby’s most imposing centres.

“I haven’t played against Jamie Roberts before, but he’s a quality footballer,” Mapusua added.

“He’s a big man, but he has got silky hands and is deceptively quick.

“Roberts is the guy to get Wales going forward and alongside him Tom Shanklin is another quality player with great feet and great hands.”

Samoa will field five Premiership players as they target a fourth win from seven meetings with Wales.

SAMOA: L Lui (Apia); D Lemi (Wasps), G Williams (Clermont Auvergne), S Mapusua (London Irish), A Tuilagi (Apia); F Fili (Wellington), J Polu (Bay of Plenty); J Va’a (Glasgow), M Schwalger (Sale Sharks), C Johnston (Toulouse); F Levi (Newcastle), I Tekori (Castres); G Stowers (London Irish, capt), O Treviranis (Apia West), H Tuilagi (Perpignan).