Same again for Samoa
Samoa on Monday named an unchanged team for their opening World Cup Pool D match against Namibia in Rotorua on Wednesday.
It will the Pacific Islanders’ first Test match for nearly two months since their stunning 32-23 victory in Australia in July.
That said, they are the first team to field the same side as played in their final warm-up match.
The starting XV retains just four players from the line-up which began their final match the 2007 World Cup, a 25-21 win against the United States.
Hooker and captain Mahonri Schwalger is joined by second row Kane Thompson, wing Alesana Tuilagi and inside centre Seilala Mapusua – all of whom started against the Americans in September 2007.
The Samoan squad is relatively inexperienced in terms of World Cups with only Schwalger and right wing Sailosi Tagicakibau returning for their third World Cup campaigns.
Samoa: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali’i, 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Fa’asavalu, 6 Taiasina Tuifua, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Daniel Leo, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (captain), 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements: 16 Ti’i Paulo, 17 Census Johnston, 18 Joe Tekori, 19 Ofisa Treviranus, 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono, 22 Tasesa Lavea.
Date: Wednesday, September 14
Venue: International Stadium, Rotorua
Kick-off: 14.30 (02.30 GMT)
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Jérôme Garces (France)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)
