Second string Samoa for PNC

Samoa will field a severely understrength side for the Pacific Nations Cup after their 30 man roster was released absent a number of first choice players. Nine of the starters from the match against the All Blacks will sit out, including the entire back row and halfback pair Kahn Fotuali’i and Tusi Pisi. As expected, Census Johnston has also been left out, with his brother James back in after recovering from injury.

Four uncapped players are named, with Hurricanes hooker Motu Matu’u the most prominent. Carcassonne no8 Vavae Tuilagi is set to become the latest of his famous family to play for the Manu, while Francis Ieremia and Faleniu Iosi have been promoted from the Samoa ‘A’ side that finished fourth in the Pacific Challenge in March.

Other Samoan-based players from that group are prop Jake Gray, hooker Andrew Williams, flanker Oneone Fa’afou, and halfbacks Vavao Afemai and Patrick Fa’apale.

Samoa will play USA, Fiji, Canada, and an opponent to be determined in the PNC, beginning July 18 in San Jose. In last year’s shortened version of the tournament they finished first in the Pacific Islands conference, defeating Fiji and drawing with Tonga.

FORWARDS
Viliamu Afatia (Agen), Jake Grey (SCOPA), James Johnston (Saracens), Anthony Perenise (Bristol), Sakaria Taulafo (Stade Français), Manu Leiataua (Aurillac), Motu Matu’u (Hurricanes), Andrew Williams (Marist St. Joseph’s), Fa’atiga Lemalu (Sanix), Maselino Paulino (Waikato), Filo Paulo (Cardiff Blues), Joe Tekori (Toulouse), Oneone Fa’afou (Vaiala), Francis Ieremia (Moata’a), T.J. Ioane (Sale), Faifili Levave (Toyota Verblitz), Vavae Tuilagi (Carcassonne)

BACKS
Vavao Afemai (Vaiala), Pele Cowley (Suburbs), Patrick Fa’apale (Vaiala), Mike Stanley (Ulster), Faialaga Afamasaga (SCOPA), Johnny Leota (Sale), Paul Perez (Natal), Alofa Alofa (La Rochelle), Faleniu Iosi (Moata’a), Sinoti Sinoti (Newcastle), Alesana Tuilagi (Newcastle), Fa’atoina Autagavaia (Nevers), Ahsee Tuala (Northampton)