16 Jun 2016

Sport: Manu Samoa make four changes for Fiji test

12:20 pm on 16 June 2016

Samoa have 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 number eight 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.

Greg Foe has been selected to make his test debut against Fiji.

Greg Foe has been selected to make his test debut against Fiji. Photo: Renee McKay/SRU

In the only change to the backline, Sunwolves first five Tusi Pisi regains the number ten 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.

Tusi Pisi and Census Johnston are back in the Manu Samoa matchday squad.

Tusi Pisi and Census Johnston are back in the Manu Samoa matchday squad. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

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.

Manu Samoa squad vs Fiji

  • Sakaria Taulafo
  • Motu Matuu
  • James Johnston
  • Faatiga Lemalu
  • Teofilo Paulo
  • Faifili Levave
  • Greg Foe
  • Alafoti Faosiliva
  • Dwayne Polataivao
  • Tusiata Pisi
  • David Lemi (Capt)
  • Faialaga Afamasaga
  • Reynold Lee-Lo
  • Faatoina Autagavaia
  • Albert Nikoro
  • Reserves

  • Maatulimanu Leiataua
  • Sam Aiono
  • Census Johnston
  • Jeff Lepa
  • TJ Ioane
  • Pelefofoga Cowley
  • Patrick Faapale
  • Malu Falaniko