Donald Brighouse and Josh Tyrell will make their test debut for Manu Samoa this weekend after being named to start in the tight five against Scotland at Murrayfield.
Otago prop Brighouse starts in the front row alongside James Lay and hooker Manu Leiataua, while North Harbour lock Josh Tyrell will partner new captain Chris Vui in the middle of the pack.
Donald Brighouse and Josh Tyrell will debut for Manu Samoa against Scotland. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Halfback Melani Matavao and first five AJ Alatimu are also poised to earn their first test caps from the bench.
Tim Nanai Williams has been entrusted with the number 10 jersey, having started his previous eight tests at fullback or on the wing, allowing Ahsee Tuala to regain the number 15 jersey.
Tim Nanai-Williams. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
TJ Ioane will make his first test appearance since the middle of last year on the openside flank and is joined by Piula Fa'asalele and Jack Lam in the loose forwards.
Pele Cowley gets the nod at halfback, having been a late injury call-up, while former skipper David Lemi and new vice captain Paul Perez provide 70 tests worth of experience on the wings.
Meanwhile Rey Lee-Lo and Kieron Fonotia will start their third consecutive test together in midfield.
Manu Samoa players, including captain Chris Vui (c), huddle together in training. Photo: Facebook/Manu Samoa
Build-up to the test in Edinburgh has been overshadowed by the Samoa Rugby Union's perilous financial situation, with the Prime Minister and SRU Chair Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi declaring the Union as "insolvent" and unable to pay off debts or fund player wages.
Samoa squad: Jordan Lay, Manu Leiataua, Donald Brighouse, Josh Tyrell, Chris Vui (c), Piula Fa'asalele, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam, Pele Cowley, Tim Nanai-Williams, David Lemi, Rey Lee-Lo, Kieron Fonotia, Paul Perez, Ahsee Tuala.
Bench: Motu Matu'u, James Lay, Hisa Sasagi, Fa'atiga Lemalu, Ofisa Treviranus, AJ Alatimu, Alapati Leiua.
