Samoa make two changes for Ireland clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Samoa coach Vaeluaga Steve Jackson has made just two changes to his side to take on Ireland on Saturday.
Loosehead prop Logovii Mulipola and lock Teofilo Paulo return to the starting XV having sat out the 19-38 defeat by Japan. They replace Jordan Lay and Piula Faasalele, who drop to the bench.
It means the Lam brothers – hooker Seilala, and captain and No.8, Jack – will start a second successive World Cup game alongside one another.
Jackson keeps faith with the same back division that started against Japan, but he will hope one or two others come to the party in Fukuoka after centre Henry Taefu contributed all 19 points (one try, one conversion, four penalties) on his own against the hosts.
Here is the @manusamoa team to play @IrishRugby on Saturday, at 19.45 hrs (GMT+9) #IREvSAM #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/FoZHcoyPVw
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 10, 2019
Samoa: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Ah See Tuala, 13 Alapati Leiua, 12 Henry Taefu, 11 Ed Fidow, 10 Ulupano Seuteni, 9 Dwayne Polataivao, 8 Jack Lam (captain), 7 TJ Ioane, 6 Chris Vui, 5 Kane Le’aupepe, 4 Teofilo Paulo, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Seilala Lam, 1 Logovii Mulipola.
Replacements: 16 Ray Niuia, 17 Paul Alo-Emile, 18 Jordan Lay, 19 Piula Faasalele, 20 Josh Tyrell, 21 Pele Cowley, 22 Tusi Pisi, 23 Kieron Fonotia.
Date: Saturday, October 12
Venue: Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium, Fukuoka City
Kick-off: 19.45 (10.45 GMT: 11.45 UK & Ireland time; 00.45 Samoa time Sunday, October 13)
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Rowan Kitt (England)
