Two Super Rugby squad members have been named to make their test debuts for Samoa against Australia this weekend.
Crusaders Prop Michael Alaalatoa and Queensland Reds halfback Scott Malolua are set to play their first test matches on Saturday at Parramatta's Bankwest Stadium.
Halfback Scott Malolua will make his first start in his test debut on Saturday Photo: Photosport
Coach Steve Jackson said the two players deserved their opportunity.
"We've selected a team based on training and match performances."
Alaalatoa started, and Malolua came off the bench, during last weekend's 36-19 win over the New Zealand Heartland XV, but that was not a test match.
"The final selection was really difficult to make with every position tightly contested within the squad. But we've got a very mobile pack - a strong loose forward trio and we're big up front," Jackson said.
"We've also got a lot of experience on the bench, who can come into the game and help us finish strongly."
A sibling face-off between Michael Alaalatoa and his brother Alan, who is a member of Australia's world cup squad, will not occur, with the latter not being included in the matchday 23.
There are three changes to the Samoan pack and three in the backline from the starting 15 that took the field at Eden Park last week.
Michael Alaalatoa, during preseason training with the champion Crusaders team Photo: Photosport
In 2011 Samoa defeated the Wallabies 32-23 in a match just before that year's Rugby World Cup.
"This is going to be a huge game in a fantastic stadium and some of our boys are really excited about their first time against a tier one team," Jackson said.
The coach said he was also expecting a tough, physical challenge in a match which will mark veteran prop Sekope Kepu's last home game in a Wallaby jersey and the return of star loosie David Pocock as captain.
However Jackson was still confident that if the Manu played their brand of rugby they could win.
The Manu Samoa team to play the Wallabies:
Jordan Lay, Ray Niuia, Michael Alaalatoa, Teofilo Paulo, Kane Leaupepe, TJ Ioane, Jack Lam (c), Afaesetiti Amosa, Scott Malolua, Tusi Pisi, Ed Fidow, Reynold Lee-Lo, Alapati Leiua, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Tim Nanai-Williams.
Reserves: Motu Matuu, Paul Alo-Emile, Logovii Mulipola, Josh Tyrell, Seilala Lam, Dwayne Polataivao, AJ Alatimu, Ah See Tuala.
