Coach Mahonri Schwalger has announced the starting lineup for Samoa as they prepare to face the FIJI Water Flying Fijians in the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup in Suva today.
Lalomilo Lalomilo will make his debut, starting at outside center, where he will team up with the seasoned Alapati Leiua in the midfield. Lalomilo recently participated with the Samoan sevens team that finished in tenth place at the Olympic Games earlier this month.
Joining Lalomilo in making his first appearance will be former sevens player Tuna Tuitama, who is set to start on the wing. Additionally, two more players could also make their debuts from the bench: tighthead prop Brook Toomalatai and back row Jonah Mau’u, both named among the substitutes.
Theo McFarland from Saracens will continue to lead the team following his successful captaincy during victories over Italy and Spain in July.
The highly anticipated match is scheduled to kick off at 6 PM.
Samoa’s starting team is as follows: 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 include Sama Malolo, Tietie Tuimauga, Brook Toomalatai, Senio Toleafoa, Jonah Mau’u, Danny Tusitala, Afa Moleli, and Stacey Ili.