Coach Mahonri Schwalger has announced the inclusion of two uncapped players in Samoa’s starting lineup for their Pacific Nations Cup match against the FIJI Water Flying Fijians in Suva today.
Lalomilo Lalomilo will make his debut at outside center, teaming up with seasoned player Alapati Leiua in the midfield. Lalomilo competed with the Samoan sevens team that secured a tenth-place finish at the recent Olympic Games.
He will be joined on the field by fellow former sevens player Tuna Tuitama, who is set to start on the wing. Additionally, there may be two more debutants introduced from the bench, with tighthead prop Brook Toomalatai and back row Jonah Mau’u included among the substitutes.
Theo McFarland, from Saracens, will continue as captain after leading the team to victories over Italy and Spain in July. The match is scheduled to commence at 6 PM.
Samoa’s starting lineup includes: Aki Seiuli, Andrew Tuala, Marco Fepulea’i, Ben Nee Nee, Samuel Slade, Theo McFarland, Murphy Taramai, OJ Noa, Melani Matavao, D’Angelo Leuila, Pisi Leilua, Alapati Leiua, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tuna Tuitama, and Tomasi Alosio.
The replacements are: Sama Malolo, Tietie Tuimauga, Brook Toomalatai, Senio Toleafoa, Jonah Mau’u, Danny Tusitala, Afa Moleli, and Stacey Ili.