A tough and physical encounter will ensue at Apia Park on Saturday as Manu Samoa take on Tonga. This rugby battle has been dubbed the clash of the Pacific brothers by Manu Samoa coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua.

The coach even quipped that there will be a lot of love shown on the field referring to the physical nature of the game that is to be expected.

Both teams have selected strong hard running forwards and the prediction is that it will come down to the wire with the team making the most mistakes could end up losing.

“Very confident with the team that has been selected and we know Tonga is coming with a very strong team and we are also looking at what is next for our team. First things first we will be looking at this game against the Ikale Tahi,” said Vaovasamanaia.

“Expecting a lot of collisions, I think the Tongans have a very strong forwards pack and over the years that has been one of their strengths and the backline too is balanced.

“We will have our work cut out for us.”

For captain Michael Ala’alatoa, playing in front of family is always special. The prop has been given the nod to lead the Manu Samoa into battle this week.

Ala’alatoa said the players know this will not be an easy match.

“We are all excited and it is going to be an exciting game and hope that our people turn up in numbers. Coach has already worked on the game from last week and we have a good week of training,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter how the game was in the past, each game is a new one and we can only expect the best from Tonga on that day.”

Manu Samoa won the last outing between the two teams which was in the Pacific Nations Cup in Fiji last year.

Tonga coach Toutai Kefu has also prepared a squad which will pack punches on the field.

“We try to pick our strongest team all the time, that is the mindset. We have had a lot of injuries; there are a few coming back from injury. We have lost a few but this is a pretty strong team,” said Kefu.

“It is always a tough game against the Samoans and it is definitely going to be very physical. We had a really good start against them last year but did not punch on after 20 or 30 minutes. And we missed a few opportunities.”

Manu Samoa takes on Tonga at 3pm on Saturday at Apia Park.