Samoa and Tonga make crucial changes for Saturday’s clash

STAFF REPORTERS

APIA, 04 AUGUST 2023: Samoa Head Coach, Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua has made several changes, with Alai D’Angelo Leuila starting at fly-half in place of Christian Leali’ifano, who drops to the bench. Ulupano J Seuteni returns to the starting XV alongside Duncan Paia’aua in the centres and Tim Nanai Williams starts in fullback.

Up front, Charlie Faumuina starts at loosehead prop, with Michael Alaalatoa returns to captain the side at tighthead. Jack Lam, Miracle Fai’ilagi and Steven Luatua make up the loose trio.

Ikale Tahi’s Head Coach Toutai Kefu has also made some changes with George Moala partnering Pita Ahki in the centres after he was a late withdrawal last week.

There is a change at hooker with Siua Maile replacing Sam Moli while Vaea Fifita moves to number eight with Tanginoa Halaifonua named at number six.

Manu Samoa drops to 10^th
After last weekend’s 33-19 loss to Fiji infront of the home crowd at Apia Park, Manu Samoa has dropped to 13^th while Fiji moves up to 10^th rank in World Rugby Men 15s ranking. Georgia and Japan remain at 11 and 12 respectively with Tonga at 15^th.

Fiji has made crucial changes as well to the team that plays Japan this Saturday as Fiji remains unbeaten in the Pacific Championship series with two wins so far against Japan and Samoa with 1 win and losing 1.

Line-ups

SAMOA: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Nigel Ah Wong, 13 UJ Seuteni, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Ed Fidow, 10 Alai D’Angelo Leuila, 9 Jonathan Taumateine 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Miracle Fai’ilagi, 5 Brian Alainu’u’ese, 4 Chris Vui, 3 Michael Alaalatoa (c), 2 Sama Malolo, 1 Charlie Faumuina

Replacements: 16 Luteru Tolai, 17 Titi Lamositele, 18 Paul Alo–Emile, 19 Theo McFarland, 20 Fritz Lee, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Christian Leali’ifano, 23 Neria Foma’i

TONGA: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Solomone Kata, 13 George Moala, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Afusipa Taumoepeau, 10 William Havili, 9 Sonatane Takulua (c), 8 Vaea Fifita, 7 Sione Havili Talitui, 6 Tanginoa Halaifonua, 5 Sitiveni Mafi, 4 Halaleva Fifita, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Siua Maile, 1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi

Replacements: 16 Paula Ngauamo, 17 Tau Koloamatangi, 18 David Lolohea 19 Lopeti Timani, 20 Solomone Funaki, 21 Manu Paea, 22 Otumaka Mausia, 23 Malakai Fekitoa