Samoa name strong squad

Editor

Samoa have included just two locally-based players in a powerful squad that will play three Tests in South Africa next month.

Samoa have included just two locally-based players in a powerful squad that will tour South Africa next month.

Having been handed additional funding by the International Rugby Board, coach Stephen Betham has been afforded the opportunity to select players based in Europe, New Zealand and Japan.

The squad boasts experienced campaigners the likes of Census Johnston, Daniel Leo and Alesana Tuilagi as well as six uncapped players in Manu Leiatua, Jack Lam, Auvasa Faleali'i, Isaia Tuifua, Brando Va'aulu and Alapati Leiua.

A captain has yet to be named and a further loose forward and a winger – rumoured to be former captain David Lemi – are still to be added.

Samoa will form part of a four-team tournament that also features hosts South Africa, Italy and Scotland.

Samoan squad to tour South Africa:

Fowards: Tii Paulo, Wayne Ole Avei, Manu Leiataua, Census Johnston, Logovii Mulipola, Sakaria Taulafo, James Johnston, Kane Thompson, Iosefa Tekori, Daniel Leo, Teofilo Paulo, Taiasina Tuifua, Alafoti Faosiliva, Ofisa Treviranus, Jack Lam, Maurie Faasavalu, Faalemiga Selesele

Backs: Kahn Fotualii, Jeremy Sua, Auvasa Falealii, Tusiata Pisi, Ki Anufe, George Pisi, Johnny Leota, Isaia Tuifua, Brandon Vaaulu, Alesana Tuilagi, Alapati Leiua, Robert Lilomaiava, Paul Williams, James Sooialo

Tour fixtures:

Saturday, June 8 (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit): Scotland v Samoa; Springboks v Italy

Saturday, June 15 (Mr Price Kings Park, Durban): Samoa v Italy; Springboks v Scotland

Saturday, June 22 (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria): Team 3 v Team 4 ; Team 1 v Team 2