Samoa have named an experienced side to take on Italy in Ascoli on Saturday with David Lemi captaining the islanders.
While there are four debutants on the bench, the starting line-up has a familiar feel to it, with nine players plying their trade in either the Aviva Premiership or the Top 14.
Lemi, of Bristol, is not one of those nine players, but he will captain the side from the left wing, while Tusi Pisi and Kahn Fotuali'i will form the half-back partnership.
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A powerful back row featuring Taiasina Tuifua, Jack Lam and Piula Fa'aselele will have an important role to play but there are a few absences up front, with James Johnston out injured and his brother Census set to join up with the side next week, while Albert Anae is ruled out through suspension.
As a result, Stephen Betham has brought in four new faces among the replacements including Bordeaux-Bègles prop Albert Toetu.
The other debutants are in the backline, with scrum-half Pele Cowley, fly-half Michael Stanley and utility back Winston Stanley all in line to make their first Test appearances.
Samoa come into the game looking for a repeat of the result the last time these two sides met in June. On that occasion, in Apia, Samoa won comfortably, 15-0, thanks to five penalties from fly-half Pisi.
| Samoa: 15 Fa'atoina Autagavaia, 14 Ken Pisi, 13 Johnny Leota, 12 Alapati Leiua, 11 David Lemi (c), 10 Tusiata Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Taiasina Tuifua, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Piula Fa'asalele, 5 Fa'atiga Lemalu, 4 Kane Thompson, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Sakaria Taulafo. Replacements: 16 Ole Avei, 17 Albert Toetu, 18 Viliamu Afatia, 19 Teofilo Paulo, 20 Maurie Faasavalu, 21 Pele Cowley, 22 Michael Stanley, 23 Winston Stanley. |
| Date: Saturday 8 November Kick-off: 15:00 local (14:00 GMT) Venue: Stadio Cino e Lilio Del Duca, Ascoli Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia) Assistant referees: John Lacey (Ireland), Greg Garner (England) TMO: Gareth Simmonds (Wales) |
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