Coach Mahonri Schwalger has selected two newcomers to start for Samoa in their Pacific Nations Cup match against the FIJI Water Flying Fijians in Suva today.
Lalomilo Lalomilo will make his debut as the outside centre, teaming up with seasoned player Alapati Leiua in the midfield. Lalomilo was part of the Samoan sevens team that finished tenth at the recent Olympic Games. He will be joined by another former sevens player, Tuna Tuitama, who will take the wing position.
Additionally, two more players, tighthead prop Brook Toomalatai and back row Jonah Mau’u, could also make their debuts from the bench. Saracens’ Theo McFarland will continue as captain after leading the team to victories over Italy and Spain in July.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 6 PM.
Samoa’s starting team (1-15) 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.