Fuga set for Samoa call
PA Sport
September 3, 2007

Harlequins hooker Tani Fuga is set to join Samoa's World Cup squad after the South Sea islanders suffered a second injury setback.

Prop Donald Kerslake had already been replaced by Alfie Vaeluaga, but the Samoans have now also lost lock Filipo Levi.

Levi suffered a serious eye injury during Samoa's tournament warm-up victory over Sale Sharks 10 days ago, and subsequently underwent surgery.

Fuga, subject to clearance from World Cup organisers, is now likely to join the squad before next Sunday's Pool A clash with South Africa at Parc des Princes.

Samoa team manager Kenape Tuuau said: ``Before the operation, Filipo was getting double vision.

``He has to see a specialist tomorrow, but they want him to rest for two weeks. Our team doctor is with him and we are touching base daily.

``We don't want to risk a prolonged injury for him, so we decided to bring a replacement in.

``It's a big loss for us. He was playing the best rugby of his life and he was looking forward to this World Cup, but unfortunately these things happen.''

Fuga, who made his Test debut in 2000, added: ``I was very surprised to get the call.

``I had just played my first pre-season game for Harlequins and I was relaxing at home watching television when I got a call from (Samoa head coach) Michael Jones asking if I would like to join the team.

``I said: `It's the World Cup, of course!'''

After the South Africa game, Samoa play Tonga in Montpellier before tacking England in Nantes on September 22. They complete their pool programme against the USA on September 26.

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