Samoa have named a strong side that includes star backs Kahn Fotuali'i and George Pisi for Friday's showdown with Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
Fotuali'i is one of seven British-based players in the South Sea Islanders' starting XV which also includes Quins flank Maurie Fa'asavalu, who played for England and Great Britain at league.
They have made six changes to the side that beat Canada 42-12 in Colwyn Bay, with Fotuali'i and Fa'asavalu in for Jeremy Su'a and Tivani Foma'i.
Former Sale back Paul Williams returns from injury to start at centre but there is no place for Robert Lilomaiava, who scored four tries against Canada but is left out in favour of David Lemi.
Only seven substitutes have been named, with the final player to be added in due course.
Samoa: 15 Faatoina Autagavaia, 14 Paul Perez, 13 George Pisi, 12 Paul Williams, 11 David Lemi (capt), 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Taiasina Tuifua, 7 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 6 Ofisa Treviranus, 5 Filo Paulo, 4 Daniel Leo, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Ole Avei, 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements: 16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Villiamu Afatia, 18 James Johnston, 19 TBA, 20 Tivaini Fomai, 21 Jeremy Su'a, 22 Johnny Leota, 23 Robert Lilomaiava.
Date: Friday, November 16
Kick-off: 19:30 GMT
Venue: Millennium Stadium
Referee: Pascal Gauzere (France)
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Jérôme Garces (France)
Television match official: Giulio De Santis (Italy)
Comments
AbdelBenazzi says...
@APV1 wake up and smell the non-Roses buddy, Manu Tuilagi was not brought up in England he got there in his teens from Samoa on a holiday visa and could hardly speak the language. In 2010 he was on the verge of being deported for overstaying this long "holiday" and missing out on club rugby payday when the English RFU gave him the old "you scratch our backs and we'll scratch yours". Hence why he is the only one of the 6 Tuilagi brothers who is not playing for Samoa.
Posted 11:42 22nd November 2012
APV1 says...
@ sonsofsamoa - no, you're right. I haven't mention Thorn, although I think his case is similar to Hape's - and I've made my feelings about him playing for England clear on many occassions. I feel that once capped for a country in any sport, you've nailed your colours to the mast and should stick by that decision.
Tuilagi is different because he was raised in this country.
I've already apologised for my error, so I'm not really sure where you're coming from. If you read my posts on similar "nationality vs who you play for" threads, I think you'll find my feelings are quite consistent.
I hope that clears up any confusion and clarifies my point of view.
Posted 10:09 16th November 2012
sonsofsamoa says...
@APV1
I don't see you complaining about Brad Thorn when he played for league Australian Kangaroos then plays for NZ All blacks in union.. or Manu Tuilagi playing for England either despite being born in Samoa and named after the Samoan national rugby union team.. And yes Fa'asavalu played for Manu Samoa at the 2003 RWC and showed really impressed, hence why league picked him up..
Posted 02:05 16th November 2012
APV1 says...
@ Danatthecorner - I thought he was capped in league first, although I may be mistaken. If he was capped in League first, then my grip is with the IRB. If he was capped in Union first, then you're right and I apologise, it's the RFL.
@ damo - I think he's injured.
@ AbdelBenazzi - Henry has retired, I understand. And don't be a prat about Manu Tuilagi. He didn't sell out, he was brought up here.
Posted 10:28 15th November 2012
vaizpatu2011 says...
I think Maurie Fa'asavalu played for Manu Samoa before he switched and played for Great Britain. And when he switched back to Rugby Union, the law still applies to him which is the reason why he cannot represent England.
Looking at this team I say Samoa by 10+.
Posted 00:17 15th November 2012
ferdie says...
for my 'ex Taranaki players around the world' Paul Perez and Census Johnston; CJ struggled when he was here, doesn't appear to have lost much weight (130kg or so?) but watch him in Top 14 and he's a lot more mobile than his younger days.
One to watch if he gets on the field, Jeremy Su'a he's got a Super contract with Crusaders next year.
Wouln't bet either way on this one.
Posted 00:03 15th November 2012
AbdelBenazzi says...
Unfortunately Wales have already had their wake up call and there are still too many players missing from the Samoa side to really take the game by the horns - where are the Tuilagi brothers et al (Henry and Alesana, not the one who has sold out to England, whose first name is ... Manusamoa)?
Posted 23:05 14th November 2012
damo says...
Where is alasana tuilagi?
Posted 22:32 14th November 2012
sonsofsamoa says...
I love the rivalry between Wales and Samoa.. ever since 1991 people have always loved to watch these two sides play each other.. and I guarantee that this rivalry will last for many years to come.. All the best to both teams.. and I'm sure you will all know who I'm rootin for!! GO THE MANU!!!!
Posted 22:19 14th November 2012
Danatthecorner says...
@APV1 - Because League and Union are different sports perhaps? Your gripe is with the RFL for capping him for England, not with the IRB for letting him play for Samoa; the country of his birth.
Posted 17:26 14th November 2012
TVaddict says...
Strong team, not the strongest they've put out, but still good. Great front row with decent cover on the bench. Lineout might be a bit wobbly but they've got the experience of Leo as a stabilising influence. They've got some great gainline winners in Fa'asavalu and Treviranus with the likes of Pisi and Lemi to finish the moves off. They have the ability in the team to win this but have they had enough time together?
Posted 17:13 14th November 2012
melkdave says...
That is a quality Samoan team ,and just as in the Argentina game .Im very apprehensive about Wales chances tbh,atm i think Samoa will win by 5-8 points,and if not Wales will certinally only scrape a win by 1-3 points ,but as ive said just dont think Wales will win on Friday,.
Posted 16:52 14th November 2012
swells07 says...
what a quality side..look out wales!
Posted 16:33 14th November 2012
APV1 says...
Just as I did with Hape playing for England, I really think that Maurie Fa'asavalu playing for England, GB and Samoa is a nonsense. I don't blame him - he's just playing to the rules - but the IRB really need to get a grip of this. How can gaining caps for different countries be acceptable?
That aside, the Samoan team should give the Welsh a good run for their money and I think it'll be close.
Wales by 6.
Posted 15:43 14th November 2012