Tusi Pisi has made five changes to his starting side to take on the Flying Fijians this weekend in Rotorua New Zealand.

In this important clash with the Fijians, Samoa has lost some big names from their side that fell to Tonga two weeks ago.

Theo McFarland suffered an injury against Tonga and is replaced by the experienced Alamanda Motuga.

Motuga is coming off an impressive NPC return last week and has a wealth of international 7’s and 15’s experience for Samoa.

Moana Pasifika’s Melani Matavao also drops out of the side being replaced by Joel Lam who was impressive against Tonga.

Rodney Iona beats out AJ Alatimu for the 10 jersey and will be in charge of steering the men in blue around the paddock.

Elisapeta Alofipo of Tama Uli gets his opportunity to start on the wing. He is joined by local hero Tuna Tuitama and veteran Lolagi Visinia in Samoa’s lethal back three.

The big news in the naming is the potential debut of Malaesaili Elato off the bench.

Samuel Slade has ledt camp for a contract jn Jaoan which bumps Michael Curry into the starting side, giving Elato the chance to debut from the bench.

Elato is homegrown talent from the Marist Rugby Club. His impressive form in Samoa’s NPC earned him a spot in Tusi Pisi’s travelling squad and now a possible debut.

The loose forward is known in Samoa as one of the hardest players to tackle and is almost unbeatable in his aerial abilities.

This match is a must win for the Samoans after losing to Tonga 30-16 in Nuku’alofa.

Last week the Fijians had no issues with Tonga putting them away 32-10.

Samoa will come into this weekends match as underdogs but will no doubt have belief that they can come away with a win.

Kick off:
Samoa vs Fiji
Saturday 6 September
4pm (Samoa Time)

Daniel is a junior reporter who has recently graduated from Waikato University with a Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance (BHSHP). He continues to write part time for Samoa Global News.

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