Kahn Fotuali'i hails "amazing" Samu Manoa

Samoa scrum-half Kahn Fotuali'i has described former Northampton Saints teammate Samu Manoa as an "amazing athlete" ahead of their clash at the Rugby World Cup.

The lock, who is part of the USA's squad for the upcoming tournament, played for the Saints alongside Fotuali'i from 2013 until earlier this year, when he joined French side Toulon.

Ahead of Sunday's meeting between Samoa and USA in Brighton, Fotuali'i told reporters: "Samu is a fantastic all-round player and an amazing athlete. He is one of the best forwards I've seen and I'd pick him in a world XV.

"He is not just a strong man, he is also very smart and never gives away silly penalties and we'll have to show him a lot of respect. We certainly won't underestimate the Americans.

"They have a quick back row and some very fast backs and they will be a threat. But our team as a group has its goals and we can do very well at this World Cup. The match against the All Blacks in July was an awesome experience for us and I think it showed we have what it takes."

Manoa has scored 10 tries in 11 appearances for the USA.