Former New Zealand rugby league international Tasesa Lavea will make his Manu Samoa debut after being named to start at first five in Sunday morning's clash with Ireland in Dublin.
Head coach Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua has named a side stacked with European-based professionals, with flanker Odisa Trevarinus the only Samoan based player in the starting fifteen.
Tafua has also recalled several key players from the team which lost to Connacht midweek, including Leicester wing Alesana Tuilagi, London Irish second-five Seilala Mapusua and Crusaders halfback Kahn Fotualii.
The team will be captained by Taranaki and Highlanders hooker Mahonri Schwalger.
The full team is:
Sakaria Taulafo, Mahonri Schwalger, Anthony Perenise, Filipo Lavea Levi, Kane Thompsen, Ofisa Trevarinus, Manaia Salavea, George Stowers, Kahn Fotualii, Tasesa Lavea, Alesana Tuilagi, Seilala Mapusua, George Pisi, David Lemi, Paul Williams.
Reserves:
Tii Paulo, Simon Lemalu, Iosefa Tekori, Afa Aiono, Junior Poluleuligaga, Gavin Williams, Jamie Helleur.
