Scott Sio debuts in Manu Samoa crucial Rugby World Cup qualifier

Former Wallaby Scott Sio will make his Samoa debut this weekend, after being named in the starting XV to face Namibia in a crucial Rugby World Cup qualifier.

The Exeter Chiefs prop, who won 74 caps for Australia across his spell in the Gold jersey, is one of five changes to Samoa Head Coach Tusi Pisi’s run-on group for the pivotal clash against the African nation.

Samoa come into Thursday night’s clash following a 48-10 win over Brazil, and could put one foot in the 2027 World Cup with another victory this time around.

Namibia are in must-win territory this weekend, though, following their shock 22-15 defeat to Belgium in the last round of the repechage.

Scott Sio is among some of the changes to the Samoa team for Namibia clash.

Former England international Jacob Umaga, Latrell Ah Kiong and Vaafauese Apelu Maliko continue in an unchanged back-three this weekend, while Tumua Manu shifts over to 13. He is joined by Lalomilo Lalomilo in midfield, with the Moana Pasifika man donning the number 12 shirt. Rodney Iona and Jonathan Taumateine again partner in the halves.

Iakopo Mapu and Alamanda Motuga again get the nod at eight and seven respectively, while Moana Pasifika man Miracle Fai’ilagi slots in at six. Fai’ilagi’s introduction sees captain Theo McFarland move into the second-row, joining Taleni Seu in the engine room. Tietie Tuimauga continues at tighthead, while Sama Malolo comes in at hooker. Debutant Sio completes the starting group.

Millennium Sanerivi, Titi Lamositele, Michael Alaalatoa, Ben Petaia Nee, Abraham Papali’i, Connor Tupa’i, Faleto’i Peni and Tuna Tuitama form a strong replacements bench.

Manu Samoa full team v Namibia
Starting XV: 15 Jacob Umaga, 14 Latrell Ah Kiong, 13 Tumua Manu, 12 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 11 Vaafauese Apelu Maliko, 10 Rodney Iona, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 Iakopo Mapu, 7 Alamanda Motuga, 6 Miracle Faiilagi, 5 Theo McFarland (c), 4 Taleni Seu, 3 Tietie Tuimauga, 2 Sama Malolo, 1 Scott Sio
Replacements: 16 Millennium Sanerivi, 17 Titi Lamositele, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Ben Petaia Nee, 20 Abraham Papali’i, 21 Connor Tupa’i, 22 Faleto’i Peni, 23 Tuna Tuitama