Samoa's interim rugby sevens coach, Fata'ali'i Milovale Moke, admits he faces a challenge to lift the spirits of the team following a horror campaign on the World Series.
He will be in charge of the Manu at next month's Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea, after Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua's contract was not renewed at the end of last season.
Fata'ali'i was an assistant coach and manager of the Samoa team two years ago and also helped train locally-based players during the most recent campaign, in which Samoa finished tenth.
He says there are a number of weaknesses that need to be addressed.
"There is lots of basic errors - we need to work on basic core elements of the game and also try and train and teach the boys of the game awareness. It's just a matter of coaching the boys in the right techniques and improving the fitness and the strength. Also I think there is a need for some overseas players because that is the other thing we lack, the size of the players on the island".
Fata'ali'i Milovale Moke also confirmed he has applied for the job full-time, with Waisale Serevi and Uale Mai also among the 29 confirmed candidates.
Samoan fans went all out for their team. Photo: RNZ
