Coach Mahonri Schwalger has selected two uncapped players for Samoa’s opening match against the Fiji Water Flying Fijians in the Pacific Nations Cup in Suva today. Lalomilo Lalomilo will debut as outside centre, teaming up with seasoned player Alapati Leiua in the midfield. Lalomilo recently participated in the Samoan sevens team that finished tenth at the Olympic Games earlier this month. He will be joined on the field by another sevens standout, Tuna Tuitama, who will play on the wing.
Additionally, two more potential debuts could occur from the bench, with tighthead prop Brook Toomalatai and back-row player Jonah Mau’u included among the substitutes. Theo McFarland from Saracens will lead the team as captain, having already secured victories over Italy and Spain in July. The highly anticipated match is set to kick off at 6 p.m.
Samoa’s starting team 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 substitutes are Sama Malolo, Tietie Tuimauga, Brook Toomalatai, Senio Toleafoa, Jonah Mau’u, Danny Tusitala, Afa Moleli, and Stacey Ili.