Coach Mahonri Schwalger has announced the inclusion of two uncapped players in Samoa’s starting lineup for their Pacific Nations Cup opener against the Fiji Water Flying Fijians in Suva today. Lalomilo Lalomilo is set to make his debut at outside centre, where he will team up with seasoned player Alapati Leiua in the midfield.
Lalomilo was a member of the Samoan sevens squad that secured a tenth place finish at the recent Olympic Games. He will be joined by another former sevens star, Tuna Tuitama, who will start on the wing.
In addition, there are potential debuts from the bench for tighthead prop Brook Toomalatai and back row player Jonah Mau’u, both of whom have been named among the substitutes.
Theo McFarland, from Saracens, will continue as the captain after leading the team to victories over Italy and Spain in July.
The highly anticipated match is scheduled to kick off at 6pm.
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.