Manu Samoa makes six changes for final RWC qualification clash

Manu Samoa have made six changes to their lineup that beat Namibia for tomorrow (Wednesday) morning’s winner-take-all Final Qualification Tournament clash against Belgium in Dubai.

Both teams undefeated, the Samoans just need a draw to claim a spot at the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.

A win will clear their pathway as the top team from the final qualifier, making them the 24th team to join the other 23 confirmed nations.

Head coach Lemalu Tusiata Pisi has named six changes to his lineup, in an attempt to balance his starting XV and his bench players.

“There’s a few things to be happy about and there’s also a few things to work on and learn from [the Namibia game],” Pisi said.

“So we took those learnings and we’ll try and correct it for this game.”

The statistics from the Namibia game showed that Samoa lost 21 turnovers and won just two.

Manu Samoa captain Theo McFarland told reporters after their win over Namibia they would need to work on their execution.

The Samoans defeated Namibia 26-8 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai early on Friday morning (Thursday, UAE time), but McFarland said there were a lot of things the team did not do.

“It will be a tough game but we need to focus on our system and execution,” he said.

A new-look front row has been named to face Belgium.

Hooker Millennium Sanerivi and props Titi Lamositele and Michael Alaalatoa get to start the game, moving last week’s starters Sama Malolo, Scott Sio, and Tietie Tuimauga to the bench.

Flanker-cum-lock forward Taleni Seu, makes way for Nippon Steel Kamaishi Seawaves’ player Ben Nee-Nee, in the starting lineup, while the experienced Melani Nanai replaces Tumua Manu at centre.

Niko Jones, son of Samoan and New Zealand rugby legend Savae La’auli Sir Michael Jones, will make his first test start, after debuting off the bench against Scotland in June.

Samoa are favourites to win, having won the only Test between the two sides in 1989 by 37-12.

Samoa: 1. Titi Lamositele, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Michael Alaalatoa, 4. Ben Nee Nee, 5. Theo McFarland (captain), 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Niko Jones, 8. Iakopo Petelo-Mapu, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Rodney Iona, 11. Vaafauese Apelu Maliko, 12. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 13. Melani Nanai, 14. Latrell Ah Kiong, 15. Jacob Umaga;
Bench: 16. Sama Malolo, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Tietie Tuimauga, 19. Taleni Seu, 20. Abraham Papali’i, 21. Connor Tupa’i, 22. Faletoi Peni, 23. Tuna Tuitama.