Samoa want more level playing field

SAMOA team manager Matthew Vaea has called for more Test matches against tier one nations if the Pacific Islanders are to compete on a level footing with world rugby’s big guns.

The Samoans visit the Aviva Stadium today for the first of three autumn Tests in the northern hemisphere with matches against England and Scotland to follow after this afternoon’s game with Ireland.

And while today’s tie sees the Irish, ranked sixth in the International Rugby Board standings, play the 11th-ranked Samoans, the gap in terms of resources represents a far wider gulf between the sports haves and have nots.