25 Jul 2015

Sport: Stanley eager to impress in rare start for Samoa

10:50 am on 25 July 2015

Manu Samoa first five Mike Stanley is looking to take advantage of a rare starting role in this afternoon's Pacific Nations Cup clash against Fiji in Sacramento.

The 25 year-old played three tests during the November tour, with his only start coming in a win against Canada.

He didn't feature against the All Blacks and USA over the past fortnight and is eager to make an impression while he has the chance.

"I think there's healthy competition. If only one person is going for the ten jersey you don't have much depth there so Pat [Patrick Fa'apale], obviously, he went really well last week [and] Tusi [Pisi] is leading the spot for the ten jersey so it's up to me and Pat to try and put some pressure on him really. I'm real happy at the moment that I've finally got my shot with the team. I've just been trying to keep my head down so far and just do my homework and get clarity around my role, so I'm really looking forward to getting out there on Friday."

Mike Stanley says Fiji are dangerous out wide with their speed and offloads and they will need to work hard to contain them.

Manu Samoa perform Siva Tau

Manu Samoa perform Siva Tau Photo: PHOTOSPORT