Manu Samoa Head Coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi has named his starting XV to face Zimbabwe in the World Rugby Nations Cup this weekend, with former All Black Shaun Stevenson set to make his debut in the blue jersey.
Four players are in line to make their Manu Samoa debuts this weekend as Head Coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi has named a strong side to face Zimbabwe in the opening match of Samoa’s World Rugby Nations Cup campaign.
Former All Black Shaun Stevenson and former Blues winger AJ Lam have been named in the starting XV, while former All Black Josh Ioane and Chris Gabriel could also earn their first international caps for Samoa if called upon from the replacements bench.
Captain Theodore McFarland returns to lead the side for Sunday’s clash at DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield, England, after missing Samoa’s July Tests earlier this year.
Shaun Stevenson, 30, and Josh Ioane, 31, are among several high-profile players who have switched their international eligibility to represent Samoa.
Stevenson, nicknamed “Shooter”, previously represented New Zealand at U20 level, the Māori All Blacks and All Blacks XV before making his All Blacks Test debut in 2023.
The former Chiefs star, now playing for Kubota Spears in Japan, will wear the number 15 jersey.
Josh Ioane, who made his All Blacks debut against Tonga in 2019, is another significant addition. The Connacht first five-eighth previously represented Manu Samoa at U20 level and will be looking to make his senior international debut from the bench.
Former Blues winger AJ Lam will also make his Manu Samoa debut, starting on the left wing. Lam recently joined French club Clermont after completing his Super Rugby Pacific career with the Blues.
Another debutant, Chris Gabriel, has been named among the replacements. The 6 foot 8 inch second rower currently plays his rugby with Castres Olympique in France.
Two local favourites born and bred in Samoa have made the line-up. Former Moana Pasefika duo, Miracle Faiilagi and Lalomilo Lalomilo have both made the starting line-up at 6 and 13 respectively.
Power Centre Lalomilo Lalomilo is a double international having represented Samoa in both 7s and 15s while Miracle Faiilagi will play his 10th test match for Samoa this weekend.
Lalomilo will partner with Peter Umaga-Jensen in the midfield while Mira partners with Niko Jones at Open Side Flanker, a position that his father, Sir Michael Jones had revolutionised and transformed in the late 1980s.
The starting forward pack includes former Wallabies prop Scott Sio, veteran Michael Alaalatoa, Niko Jones and Abraham Papali’i.
Connor Tupai and Jacob Umaga form the halves combination with Latrell Ah Kiong and Shaun Stevenson at the wings.
The November campaign is an important part of Samoa’s preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
When announcing the wider squad in October, Head Coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi said the tour would provide opportunities to strengthen combinations and develop depth.
“The November tour is another opportunity to build on our July campaign, strengthen our combinations and continue building depth as we work towards Rugby World Cup 2027.”
The match will be played at DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield, England, with kick-off scheduled for 4am Sunday 8 November, Samoa time.
Manu Samoa Starting XV
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- Super Debutants: Shaun Stevenson and AJ Lam set to Start for Manu Samoa against Zimbabwe - November 6, 2026
- Samoa to Face Australia in Semifinals After Narrow Loss to Tonga - November 2, 2026
