11 May 2013

Six uncapped players in Samoa squad for South Africa tour

11:49 am on 11 May 2013

Samoa have named the Hurricanes Super Rugby players Jack Lam and Alapati Leiua among six uncapped players included in the Pacific Islanders' tour party for three tests in South Africa next month.

New Zealand-born flanker Lam, a former Australian schoolboy international, and wing cum centre Leiua face a difficult choice between playing for Samoa or holding out for All Blacks selection.

Leiua in particular may be on the verge of a shock call-up, given the dearth of New Zealand's midfield stocks.

Halfback Auvasa Faleali'i, recently signed by the New South Wales Waratahs, is also among the newcomers in a 31-man squad selected by coach Stephen Betham.

Hooker Manu Leiataua from North Harbour in New Zealand's domestic competition, Japan-based centre Brandon Va'aulu and Isaia Tuiua, a centre with Spanish club Vigo, are the other uncapped players.

Samoa face the Lions in Johannesburg on June 1, followed by tests against Scotland in Durban on June 8 and Italy in Nelspruit on June 15. They will play a further test in Pretoria on June 22 against one of South Africa, Italy or Scotland.