Samoa pick two new caps for Scotland Test

Wellington Hurricanes pair Jack Lam and Alapati Leiua will debut for Samoa on Saturday in a four-nation tournament Test against Scotland.

The Pacific islanders feature in the first half of a Durban international double-header with South Africa meeting Italy in the main attraction at Kings Park.

Flank Lam, a cousin of former All Black Pat Lam, and right wing Leiua are among nine changes to the team beaten 22-14 by France in the last Samoan Test appearance seven months ago.

Centre Johnny Leota, fly-half Tusi Pisi, tight-head prop Census Johnston, lock Filo Paulo, flanker Ofiso Treviranus and No.8 Taiasina Tuifu’a survive from the Paris starting line-up.

Coach Stephen Becham included two other uncapped players — hooker Manu Leiatua from New Zealand outfit North Harbour and Tokyo Gas centre Brando Va’aulu among the eight replacements.

Paul Williams, a son of All Blacks wing legend Bryan Williams, was chosen at outside centre after playing at fullback last weekend in a 74-14 thrashing from South African province Golden Lions.

After the Scottish Test, Samoa play Italy on June 15 in north-eastern city Nelspruit and a tournament classification match on June 22 in Pretoria.

Team (15-1)

James So’oialo; Alapati Leiua, Paul Williams (capt), Johnny Leota, Alesana Tuilagi; Tusi Pisi, Jeremy Su’a; Taiasina Tuifu’a, Jack Lam, Ofisa Treviranus; Daniel Leo, Filo Paulo; Census Johnston, Ole Avei, Logovi’i Mulipola

Replacements (16-23)

Manu Leiatua, Sakaria Taulafo, James Johnston, Faatiga Lemalu, Alafoti Fa’osiliva, Junior Poluleuligaga, Brando Va’aulu, Seilala Mapusua

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!