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Ok, so we all know that the most improved award is the one that no one wants to receive!
However, one cannot overlook the strides that the Manu Samoa have taken over the past 3-4 years that sees them ranked 7th in the world and definitely, in my eyes, the most improved international team!
This is made all the more special considering the drama and obstacles Samoa have encountered during this period (some have been well documented and others not so)
In the past Samoa has suffered from inconsistency, something common to the smaller unions. After the 2011 RWC, it would've been assumed by many, that Samoa would go back to being the underdogs. Winning a big game here and there, but not really performing at a consistent high level. This assumption is far from the reality that Samoa have built for themselves at present. They have maintained the high standards over the past 2-3 years and this is due to consistency in coaching (to a degree) and the fact that they are building a strong team who have played together now for 10-20 test matches.
They are also starting to pick up players, who in the past would have chosen the bright lights and great hights of playing for All Blacks or Australia. The likes of Alapati Leiua, a certainty for the All Blacks training camp, is a big signing for Samoa. Kahn Fotuali'i is another. I hope this trend continues, as so many Island players are taken out of international rugby because they play one or two games for ABs or Aussy and then are not wanted any more. Masaga and Laulala are perfect examples. Only playing 1 or 2 test matches and not being good enough to play again. A question, how good would RWC 2011 have been if we had the BEST players at the time playing on the world stage? (Im sure this is a question for another time, but something to ponder nonetheless).
Samoa is starting to reach its potential. They are a small nation (180 000) but by God do they push above their weight. All they need now is a lot of funding and professional management and who knows how good they can get. I have always backed the underdog, and Samoa has always been my team! I know they can win this week end against S.A and really shake the Rugby World up one more time!
Go The Manu
Soifua