Samoan rugby coach Mahonri Schwalger has announced the inclusion of two uncapped players in the starting lineup for their match against the FIJI Water Flying Fijians in the Pacific Nations Cup opener in Suva today. Lalomilo Lalomilo will make his debut as the outside centre, partnering seasoned player Alapati Leiua in the midfield. Lalomilo recently participated in the Samoan sevens team that finished tenth at the Olympics earlier this month.
He will be joined in his first appearance by Tuna Tuitama, who will start on the wing. Additionally, there is a chance for two more players to make their debuts from the bench, with tighthead prop Brook Toomalatai and back row Jonah Mau’u among the substitutes.
Theo McFarland from Saracens will lead the team as captain, having previously guided them to victories over Italy and Spain in July. The match is scheduled to kick off at 6pm.
The starting team for Samoa 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.