Monday 6 July 2015 09:42, UK
Samoa coach Stephen Betham has named his starting line-up for Wednesday's historic match with New Zealand, the All Blacks' first-ever in the Pacific Islands.
Betham sprung a minor surprise by selecting Bath flanker Alafoti Faosilva in the No. 6 jersey ahead of France-based Maurie Fasavalu, who will start from the bench.
Faosilva will combine with former Wellington Hurricanes open-sider Jack Lam and captain Ofisa Treviranus in a strong back-row for the Samoans.
Reserve center Faialaga Afamasaga is the only player in the squad based in Samoa. The rest play in New Zealand, South Africa, France, England and Japan.
Betham told media Monday that his team was delighted the All Blacks had named a full-strength side.
"When the boys took a look at the All Blacks team, they knew what they're in for this coming Wednesday," he said.
"Just to have Richie McCaw and Dan Carter take the field, the boys are honoured but at the same time we've got a job to do and they know we can't get fazed by that."
Chiefs fullback Tim Nanai-Williams will make his test debut for Samoa and Paul Perez will start at outside center in a midfield combination with Sale's Johnny Leota.
Alesana Tuilagi, the brother of England center Manu Tuilaga, has been given the task of marking the All Blacks' Moala.
Tusi Pisi will wear the No. 10 jersey, combining with former Crusaders scrumhalf Kahn Fotuali'i, and Census Johnston, who has been called out of retirement for the match, will start at tighthead in a front row that includes Sakaria Taulafo and Wayne Ole Avei.
New Zealand has won all five of the teams' previous test matches by an average of 55 points, but Samoa is expected to be far more formidable at home.
A crowd of 8,000 is expected to fill Apia Park for the match and Samoa's prime minister has declared a half-day holiday to allow others to watch on television.
Samoa: Tim Nanai-Williams, Alofa Alofa, Paul Perez, Johnny Leota, Alesana Tuilagi, Tusi Pisi, Kahn Fotuali'i, Ofisa Treviranus (captain), Jack Lam, Alafoti Faosiliva, Kane Thompson, Teofilo Paulo, Census Johnson, Wayne Ole Avei, Sakaria Taulafo.
Subs: Ma'atulimanu Leiataua, Viliamu Afatia, Anthony Perenise, Iosefa Tekori, Maurie Faasavalu, Pele Cowley, Faialaga Afamasaga, Ken Pisi.
Watch this historic Test match between Samoa and New Zealand, live on Sky Sports, 2.45am, Wednesday, Sky Sports 1.
