24 Feb 2012

Sport: Samoa confident of improvement ahead of PRC opener

11:21 am on 24 February 2012

Samoa A insist they've learnt some valuable lessons ahead of Friday night's Pacific Rugby Cup opener against the Brumby Runners in Canberra.

Last Friday's 35-12 defeat to Sydney University followed a heavy loss against the Waratahs Super Rugby team.

Head Coach Selefuti Patu says they've worked hard in training to rectify problems with their set piece and breakdown play.

"The thing is the competition here is a bit higher - the level is higher, speed is faster - so now we speed up a lot of things. We have to get earlier in the breakdowns and the body shape and we have to go past the ball. Also they are looking at those clips and little things so they understand and the feedback from them and also us and although it takes time I think we'll do it."

Tonga A face and the defending champion Fiji Warriors begin their campaigns on Sunday.