Former Manu Samoa captain Lemalu Semo Sititi knows from experience the brutal nature of the encounter between Samoa and Tonga. He expects the game on Friday to be nothing less.

"It's going to be a difficult game. It's always hard when we play Tonga. It doesn't matter where, whether it's up in Tonga or here in Apia Park, it's always hard," he said.

"But I know our boys are up for it. They need to play to the best of their ability and play to the plan that's already been given by the coach and management. Then fight until the end. 

"Wishing them all the best. I know they will make our people proud. Mase and all the other ex-players who have put their hand up to help out which is good, they know what it is like to be a Manu Samoa player to represent our country."

As a former captain of the Manu Samoa, he is inspired by the current Manu Samoa captain Tagaloa Theodore Mcfarland. He is proud of the way Tagaloa carries himself.

"He is a very talented young man and I'm very proud of him. I'm inspired by the way he plays and the way he carries himself. He is such a humble kid. When he takes that field he knows what he's going into, and he knows who he is representing. Wishing him all the best."

Lemalu also shared how his journey was in the blue jersey.  

"I started rugby when I was still in school, then to Samoa 7s, joined Manu Samoa 15s, I think it was 1996 or 1997. From the year 2000, I became captain until 2008. Playing three World Cups, I'm probably the third most capped in Manu Samoa history," he said.

"But I was involved in the 7s and 15s for quite a while. But I was based here in Samoa most of the time. I got selected to play for the Hurricanes in 98 and 99, and that's when I moved to New Zealand."

"Then from there, I went to Scotland, Cardiff, Wales, England and finished up in Japan. Now I'm back in Auckland. It sounds little but it's quite a long and difficult journey for family. Luckily, my wife was supportive of the idea, and we had the kids. Both of my two young kids were born in Japan.

"No regrets representing Samoa. It was and still is an honour to come back and play. Back in the day, we paid our flights to come and play. We paid it from our own pockets, probably most former players. 

"From the UK to here, Japan to here, and Scotland to here, we paid for our flights to come. We get nothing but we played for our team, for our love for Samoa, our passion, and pride."

Former players will be at Apia Park Stadium to cheer on the Manu Samoa.