Stanley up

The Manu Samoa does not feel intimidated by all the talk about the ‘Springboks backlash’ at their Rugby World Cup clash on Sunday morning.

And coach Stephen Betham’s 23-man team to confront them at Birmingham indicates that the men in blue are not panicking.

Instead, they are gearing up for a mighty confrontation, with the Manu Samoa naming a sizable pack that’s prepared to throw everything at the Boks, including the kitchen zinc.

“We know that the South Africa is going to come at us hard and fast,” Betham said last night when the starting team was named.

" A wounded Spr ingbok is going to be a very dangerous animal but we are prepared for that.”

And prepared they are.

As part of that, Betham has pulled a few surprises, perhaps in the hope of catching South Africa unaware about their plans.

From the team that defeated the United States of America, 25-16, in Brighton last week, the coaching staff have made four changes to the team.

The most interesting one is the selection of 25-year-old Mike Stanley (pictured) to start at first five eighth ahead of regular starter, Tusiata Pisi, who has been relegated to the bench.

Betham believes Stanley is the man for the hour, saying he directed the team well during the recent Pacific Nations Cup and he had proven himself.

“We’re very fortunate to have great options for this position,” he said.

“All our tens are solid, and reliable, but they all offer slightly different game options. Tusi will be an important influence off the bench for us.”

Three of the changes are in the forwards.

Recalled prop Census Johnston gets his first start since the All Blacks Test match in Apia, with tireless grafter Anthony Perenise moving to the bench. Mobile Hurricanes hooker, Motu Matu’u has also been given the nod ahead of Ole Avei.

With Maurie Fa’asavalu not considered due to an injury, loose forward, TJ Ioane, has leapfrogged Alafoti Faosiliva and Faifili Levave to secure the blindside flanker position.

He will join with Jack Lam and captain Ofisa Treviranus at the back of the scrum.

Teofilo Paulo and Iosefa Tekori retain their places at lock.

Kane Thompson, whose suspension has ended, is not included at all.

Vavae Tuilagi is also another player set to make his World Cup debut off the bench. When he does, he will become the fifth of the Tuilagi brothers to play for Samoa.

Older brother and giant winger Alesana is starting on the wing.

Betham highlighted the importance of the bench.

“Our entire bench is going to be important,” he said. “We’ve looked at the best possible combinations, and the best possible people to give us platforms and momentum right through the eighty minutes.”

Betham added that he expects the Springboks to come out firing, in a bid to put their disastrous performance of last week behind them.

“We do expect the Boks to be firing but like I said, we are prepared for it and we are ready.”

The only player unavailable for selection due to injury was Fa’asavalu.

“He picked up a little niggle in last week’s game against the U.S.A, and so we want him to come right completely before we put him back out there.”