Wallabies prop Scott Sio. Photo: Photosport
Manu Samoa's campaign to secure a 2027 Rugby World Cup (RWC) spot has been bolstered by the inclusion of former Wallabies prop Scott Sio.
The 74-cap prop will debut for the Samoans against Namibia on Friday morning in the second round of the Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai.
Head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi has named Sio, who last played for Australia in September 2022, in his starting lineup, pairing Tietie Tuimauga upfront, in a front-row that includes livewire hooker Sama Malolo.
Sio's inclusion comes at a time when Manu Samoa are needing all the firepower they can get to help them secure the 24th spot at the 2027 World Cup, following their dismal performances at the Pacific Nations Cup series and the two-match qualifier against Chile.
Samoan centre Melanie Nanai divers over in the corner for his try in the team’s 48-10 win over Brazil in Dubai. Photo: Supplied/Manu Samoa
Last weekend at The Sevens Stadium, Samoa recorded a relentless 48-10 win over Brazil to open their last qualification campaign.
Pisi has made eight changes to his match-day 23, with Sio being one of them.
He told reporters in Dubai that they need to be consistent and not underestimate Namibia, who were surprise losers to Belgium at the weekend.
"We just talked about it there [in the huddle after the game]," coach Pisi said after the win over Brazil.
"We just need to savour the feeling and make sure we have our feet with the now and enjoy it, and then move on to the next game."
Sio's inclusion is a major boost for the side, his experience something that Pisi hopes the team can draw on, moving forward.
The loosehead prop last played Test rugby for the green and gold against in September 2022.
Pisi has made some positional changes in the pack as well, with usual flankers Taleni Seu and captain Theo McFarland moved into locks.
They will also provide lineout options.
Seu and McFarland's movements means Moana Pasifika enforcer Miracle Failangi will get the chance to slot in at number six in hist first game of the season in the Manu Samoa colours.
Failangi, who had a big Super Rugby Pacific season with Moana Pasifika, opted to play for Hawkes Bay in the National Provincial Championship in New Zealand, instead of playing for Samoa in the PNC.
He pairs Moana Pasifika teammate Alamanda Motuga, with Iakopo Mapu at number eight.
Veteran Moana Pasifika hafback Jonathan Taumateine gets to start for the second time for Samoa this season, following his NPC commitment, pairing playmaker Rodney Iona again.
Another standout for Moana Pasifika this season is Lalomilo Lalomilo, who gets his first start for the Manus, after coming off the bench last week.
Former sevens star Vaafauese Apelu Maliko, who scored a try against Brazil last week, gets his second start, pairing Latrell Ah Kiong, with kicker and fullback Jacob Umaga, slotting in again at number 15.
Pisi has named veteran prop Michael Alaalatoa and tough number eight Abraham Papali'i on the bench, as impact players.
A win on Friday morning will secure Samoa's spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, while a loss would mean they would have to beat Belgium in their last pool game next week.
Samoa v Namibia (2027 RWC Final Qualification Tournament)
Kick-off: 4:30am (NZT) Friday, 14 November
Venue: The Sevens 2, Dubai UAE
Manu Samoa: 1. Scott Sio, 2. Sama Malolo, 3. Tietie Tuimauga, 4. Taleni Seu, 5. Theo McFarland (c), 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Alamanda Motuga, 8. Iakopo Mapu, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Rodney Iona, 11. Vaafauese Apelu Maliko, 12. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 13. Tumua Manu, 14. Latrell Ah Kiong, 15. Jacob Umaga; Bench: 16. Millenium Sanerivi, 17. Titi Lamositele, 18. Michael Alaalatoa, 19. Ben Petaia Nee, 20. Abraham Papali'i, 21. Connor Tupa'i, 22. Faleto'i Peni, 23. Tuna Tuitama.
