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. Among the notable inclusions are two uncapped players, Lalomilo Lalomilo, who will make his debut at outside centre, and Tuna Tuitama, a former sevens star starting on the wing. Lalomilo will join seasoned player Alapati Leiua in the midfield. He was part of the Samoan sevens team that secured a tenth place finish at the recent Olympic games.
In addition to these two debuts, the Samoa squad could see further new faces from the bench, with tighthead prop Brook Toomalatai and back row player Jonah Mau’u also named as substitutes. Theo McFarland from Saracens will continue his role as captain, having led the team to victories against Italy and Spain in July.
The match is set to kick off at 6pm.
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 replacements are Sama Malolo, Tietie Tuimauga, Brook Toomalatai, Senio Toleafoa, Jonah Mau’u, Danny Tusitala, Afa Moleli, and Stacey Ili.