Samoa’s head coach Seilala Mapusua has introduced 4 adjustments to his lineup for his or her upcoming Pool D conflict towards Japan in Toulouse on Thursday, following their latest 19-10 loss to Argentina.
Within the back-row, Taleni Seu will function after a powerful show off the bench final week, protecting 25 meters, together with 20 meters gained previous the gain-line, in simply 26 minutes.
Sa Jordan Taufua is about to start out as quantity eight, changing former All Black Steven Luatua. This marks Taufua’s first begin since November 2022, along with his take a look at rugby appearances this season restricted to below 40 minutes in every of his three caps instead.
The centre pairing will see Alai D’Angelo Leuila alongside Tumua Manu for less than the second time, the primary being in July 2022 towards Fiji in Lautoka.
On the right-wing, Ed Fidow will begin, taking on from Nigel Ah-Wong. Impressively, eight of Fidow’s 12 take a look at tries have been scored when beginning on the right-wing.
Among the many match-day 23, there are 11 gamers who participated in Samoa’s 24-22 victory towards Japan earlier this 12 months, together with eight within the beginning XV: Paul Alo-Emile, Taleni Seu, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Leali’ifano, Tumua Manu, Ed Fidow, Duncan Paia’aua, and Danny Toala.
SAMOA TEAM TO FACE JAPAN AT THE STADE DE TOULOUSE
1 James Lay
2 Seilala Lam
3 Paul Alo-Emile
4 Chris Vui (c)
5 Theo McFarland
6 Taleni Junior Agaese Seu
7 Fritz Lee
8 Sa Jordan Taufua
9 Jonathan Taumateine
10 Christian Leali’ifano
11 Ben Lam
12 Alai D’Angelo Leuila
13 Tumua Manu
14 Ed Fidow
15 Duncan Paia’aua
Replacements:
16 Sama Malolo
17 Jordan Lay
18 Michael Alaalatoa
19 Steven Luatua
20 Alamanda Motuga
21 Melani Matavao
22 Neria Fomai
23 Danny Toala
