Rugby World Cup – Samoa profile: Full squad, head coach, key player, fixtures and odds

History shows that Samoa know how to spring a surprise.

At the 1991 World Cup, Western Samoa – as the team was known then – announced themselves on the international stage by defeating Wales 16-13 in what ranks as one of the greatest shocks seen at the tournament.

Four years later, they stormed their way to the quarter-finals, defeating both Italy and Argentina along the way before losing 42-14 to South Africa in a hard-fought contest. Then, in 1999, hosts Wales were once again stunned by the Pacific Islanders, who, led by Pat Lam, secured a thrilling 38-31 victory at the Millennium Stadium to reach the quarter-final play-offs.

Since then, Samoa have not progressed beyond the group stages. Their chances of doing so this year look slim, having been drawn in Pool A alongside Ireland, Scotland, Japan and Russia, but when it comes to the Samoans who knows what to expect.

Steve Jackson’s men booked their place for this year’s World Cup by beating Germany in the Europe/Oceania play-off in July 2018.

Forwards: Afaesetiti Amosa, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam (c), Piula Fa’asalele, Josh Tyrell, Chris Vui, Teofilo Paulo, Kane Leaupepe, Senio Toleafoa, Michael Alaalatoa, Paul Alo-Emile, James Lay, Jordan Lay, Logovi’i Mulipola, Motu Matu’u, Ray Niuia, Seilala Lam

Backs: Ed Fidow, Tim Nanai-Williams, Ahsee Tuala, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Henry Taefu, Alapati Leiua, Reynold Lee-Lo, Kieron Fonotia, AJ Atatimu, Tusi Pisi, Ulupano Seuteni, Dwayne Polotaivao, Melani Matavao, Scott Malolua

Steve Jackson. The former New Zealand Maori representative only took charge of Samoa in September of last year and has since overseen just two victories from six fixtures – all of which were played against tier-two nations. Jackson has spoken of bringing the “fear” back into the Manu jersey – something he’s struggled to do so far admittedly. He’ll be hoping his players step up when 24 September comes around.

Chris Vui. The loose forward, who has 12 caps to his name, was the youngest captain in world rugby when he was handed the leadership of Samoa in 2017. His experience in the Premiership, first with Worcester and now Bristol, will give him crucial reference points when he leads his country in Japan. With a number of Samoa players plying their trade in Europe, Vui will be hopeful his men quickly adapt to the challenge posed by the likes of Ireland and Scotland in particular.

Samoa’s best finish at the World Cup came in 1991 and 1995 when they reached the quarter-finals on both accounts before losing to Scotland and South Africa respectively.

Samoa to win: 750/1