Lemalu Tusi Pisi has made five changes to his starting 15 to take on Namibia on Friday morning.
Samoa are coming off an impressive win against Brazil where they put them away 48-10.
With three matches in 10 days it’s understandable that there will be changes made each game to accommodate the match schedule. Despite this, Samoa still have a strong side to face Namibia.
Scott Sio is named to start at prop and will make his Manu Samoa debut after representing Australia in 74 matches on the international stage.
Tietie Tuimauga will pair Sio in the prop position while Sama Malolo comes into the side to complete the front row.
Taleni Seu is promoted from the bench to pair with Manu Samoa Captain Theo McFarland at second row. With McFarland moving from blindside flanker to lock, it’s Miracle Fai’ilagi who will get his first start of the campaign in the six jersey.
Alamanda Motuga and Iakopo Mapu retain their spots in the back row and complete Samoa’s loose trio with Fai’ilagi.
The only change in the backline is Lalomilo Lalomilo getting the nod at second five-eight as Melani Nanai will miss out this match.
Jonathan Taumateine and Rodney Iona remain in charge of directing the Samoan attack from halfback and first-five respectively.
To the bench and the only new names are Abraham Papali’i who will look to cover the loose foward positions and local hero Tuna Tuitama as cover for the back three.
A win against Namibia will take Samoa one step closer to qualifying for the 2027 RWC in Sydney.
🏉Manu Samoa vs Namibia
⏰Friday 4:30AM (Samoa Local Time) 📺TV3 Samoa • SKY SPORT NZ • RugbyPass
- John Tafi Wins Samoa’s First Medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games - July 28, 2026
- Brian To’o Dropped by Laurie Daley for State of Origin Decider - June 29, 2026
- Faatamaalii Jenny Lauano Appointed New CEO of Education and Culture - April 2, 2026
