Richard Nkosi

Richard Nkosi

South African rugby fans will have a chance to watch the Samoa national team in action before the Rugby World Cup starts in France in August.

The Manu, as Samoa are affectionately known, will tour the country where they will play three friendly matches.

Samoa will kickstart their tour by playing against the Pumas Leeus XV invitation at Rob Ferreira Hoerskool in White River, near Nelspruit on Saturday.

Willem Straus, coordinator of the tour, said: "Samoa are using the tour as part of their preparations for the coming rugby world cup.

"Few people know Samoa but they are a very good side. They qualified for the past three World Cups and they were knocked out in the quarterfinals," said Swartz.

Samoa is in the same pool with South Africa, England and the United States in the coming world cup.

Nico Swarts, Mpumalanga Rugby Union chairman, said the Pumas Leeus comprises players from Mpumalanga Pumas and Gauteng Golden Lions and they will be coached by former Springbok player Chester Williams.

"Williams is earmarked to coach the Pumas this season, " said Swarts.