The Samoa women's sevens team are optimistic of doing well but say it won't be easy in this weekend's World Series qualifying tournament in Dublin.
The Manusina are among 12 teams competing for two permanent berths on the global circuit, alongside the likes of New Zealand, Australia and Fiji.
The Samoan squad has a mix of old and new faces and manager Toleafoa Mara Hunter says there won't be any easy games.
"I think it's a tremendous opportunity to be here playing against these well-ranked teams. Of course we'd love to win and we're hopeful of getting one of those two spots but it's all about building blocks and learning blocks for us. [It's] always tough for women in the Pacific to do well in tournaments in rugby, because of the isolation and not being able to get good worthy opponents, but we're giving it our best".
The Manusina will takes on Wales, Japan and Brazil in their pool matches on Saturday.
The Manusina celebrate winning the Plate title at the Borneo Sevens in Indonesia. Photo: Samoa Women's Rugby Union
