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Manu Samoa head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi wasted no time introducing the new talent of the Samoan side into the 23rd game, naming four debutants to face Zimbabwe in England.
Two newcomers, Shaun Stevenson and Josh Ioane, played All black peoplewhile AJ Lam also spent time in the New Zealand camp, and div Castres lock Chris Gabriel rounds out the new group. There is still no sign of Akira Ioane or Etena Nanai-Seturo, whose debuts could come during the Cup of Nations.
Theodore McFarland returns as team captain after missing the first three rounds of the Nations Cup, and will start in a difficult situation. Miracle Faiilagi, who has been the stand-in captain in McFarland’s absence, starts at blindside flank.
69-Test Wallaby Scott Sio is back for more after making his debut for Manu Samoa during last year’s 2027. Rugby World Cup qualifying matches, and he is joined in the front row by Richie Asiata and Michael Alaalatoa. Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee will run alongside McFarland in the second row, while Niko Jones brings serious rugby pedigree to the loose forwards alongside Abraham Papali’i.
Connor Tupa’i and Jacob Umaga will lead the back line as the opening halves duo, feeding another All Black player, Peter Umaga-Jensen at 12 and Lalomil Lalomil at centre. Latrell Ah Kiong joins Lam and Stevenson in the back three.
Ioane was named on the bench alongside Sam Malolo, Aki Seiuli, Tietie Tuimaug, Chris Gabriel, Alamand Motuga, Joel Lam and Duncan Paia’au.
The national team of Samoa plays with Zimbabwe
- Scott Sio
- Richie Asiata
- Michael Alaatoa
- Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee
- Theodore McFarland (C)
- Miracle Failagi
- Niko Jones
- Abraham Papali’i
- Connor Tupa’i
- Jacob Morning
- AJ Lam*
- Peter Umaga-Jensen
- Underworld Underworld
- Latrell Ah Kiong
- Shaun Stevenson*
Reserves
16. Summer vacation
17. Aki Seiuli
18. Driving to the end
19. Chris Gabriel*
20. Alamanda Mtuga
21. Joel Lam
22. Josh Ioane*
23. Duncan Paia’ao
