SAMOA HEAD COACH Stephen Betham has made three changes to the side that beat USA for Saturday’s clash with South Africa.
Counties Manukau playmaker Mike Stanley, who was part of Ulster’s squad last season when he traveled north as an emergency replacement for the injured Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, is handed the starting number 10 shirt after coming off the bench in the win over the Eagles.
The 25-year-old had been involved in the Waikato Chiefs training squad before making two Pro12 appearances for Ulster during the Six Nations period, his sole start coming as a number 12 in the away loss to the Dragons in March.
Hooker Moto Matu’u also featured in the 25 – 16 win in Brighton, the scene of South Africa’s humiliating loss, and he starts at the expense of Ole Avei.
Blindside flanker TJ Ioane, who featured for Sale Sharks last season, comes in from outside the matchday 23. Alesana Tuilagi’s younger brother Vavae earns a place on the bench this weekend as back row cover.
After licking their wounds following the humbling loss to Japan, the Springboks have promised to match whatever physicality Samoa bring to Villa Park (KO 16.45).
Samoa
15. Tim Nanai-Williams
14. Ken Pisi
13. Paul Perez
12. Rey Lee-Lo
11. Alesana Tuilagi
10. Mike Stanley
9. Kahn Fotuali’i
1. Sakaria Taulafo
2. Motu Matu’u
3. Anthony Perenise
4. Teofilo Paulo
5. Iosefa Tekori
6. TJ Ioane
7. Jack Lam
8. Ofisa Treviranus (captain)
Replacements:
16. Ole Avei
17. Viliamu Afatia
18. Census Johnston
19. Faifili Levave
20. Vavae Tuilagi
21. Vavao Afemai
22. Tusi Pisi
23. George Pisi
