New Zealand
Ofisa Treviranus to skipper Samoa against All Blacks
ESPN Staff
June 29, 2015
Ofisa Treviranus
Ofisa Treviranus© (Photo by Dino Panato/Getty Images)

Ofisa Treviranus will lead Samoa out in their historic Test against New Zealand on July 8 in Apia.

The Islanders will host the All Blacks on home turf for the first time and the London Irish man has been chosen to skipper the team after former captain Dan Leo announced his retirement from international rugby.

"When I heard that, I was a little nervous," Treviranus told TVNZ. "I thank God for this opportunity. It's not going to be an easy one. I didn't expect this to be honest."

The Samoan squad is yet to be confirmed for the Test but despite the honour, Treviranus is not taking his place in the XV for granted. "It is a great honor to be asked to captain this side as we prepare to host the All Blacks," Treviranus added. "I know that my primary job is to earn my own selection into the starting team and then from there I will do my best to provide the leadership that's been asked of me."

Samoa coach Stephen Betham hailed the flanker, saying: "Ofisa is a strong force in the Manu Samoa environment and he has the respect of the players on and off the field.

"Ofisa has previously captained the Samoa Sevens team and was a cornerstone player of the Sevens team that won the Sevens World Series in 2010. We congratulate him and we know that he will take this responsibility with great dignity and humility."

© ESPN Staff

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