Samoa begins its Pacific Nations Cup campaign against a Fiji team coming off a good win over Tonga. Join The Roar for live scores from 1:10pm AEST.
Another fascinating contest awaits between two of the more flamboyant nations in world rugby. Fiji and Samoa know their way to the tryline and a high scoring contest could eventuate as a result.
Samoa has added some experience among four changes to the starting team to face Fiji in Saturday’s Pacific Nations Cup Test in Suva.
Three of those changes come up front, with 40-test veteran Sakaria Taulafo replacing Sam Aiono at loosehead prop.
Faifili Levave has been named to start on the blindside flank, with Alafoti Faosiliva shifting to No.8 and Jeff Lepa dropping to the bench after making his Test debut against Georgia.
Wellington-based Samoa A captain and former sevens representative Greg Foe is set to make his Test debut after being selected in place of TJ Ioane at openside flanker.
In the only change to the backline, Sunwolves first five Tusi Pisi regains the No.10 jersey in place of Patrick Faapale.
55-test prop Census Johnston has been included on the bench after completing his commitments with French side Toulouse at the weekend.
Hooker Maatulimanu Leiataua and halfback Pele Cowley have also been named in the reserves for the first time this season.
Samoa drew 19-19 with Georgia in Apia last weekend in Namulauulu Alama Ieremia’s first Test as head coach, while Fiji came from behind to beat Tonga 23-18 in the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup.
Fiji in particular can ill-afford another slow start against Tonga. They trailed 15-nil against Tonga but managed to overturn that deficit into a 23-18 victory.
With both teams evenly matched, another nail-biting showdown awaits. The pressure will be on Samoa to open their account, but Fiji may do just enough to secure a narrow win.
Fiji by 5
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