Ex-All Black Debut's for Samoa in Fiji Clash

Former All Blacks back row Steven Luatua is set to make his debut for Samoa as his new side face Fiji in Apia this weekend. 

Luatua brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Samoan side, having won 15 caps for New Zealand before departing for the Gallagher Premiership back in 2017.

While the excitement surrounding Luatua’s debut runs high, there is also a tinge of disappointment as another former All Black, Lima Sopoaga, misses out on the opportunity to represent Samoa for the time being at least with his recent relocation to Japan stalling his debut for now.

“Lima is waiting for his visa to relocate to Japan,” Head coach Seilala Mapusua told RugbyPass this week. “We were hoping he could be available for this weekend. We have been keeping him involved with training and team meetings via our comms platform and he is training in France. He is training on his own – well, he better be! Lima should be available for the Tonga game.”

Jordan Lay, Ray Niuia, and Paul Alo-Emile form a robust front row, while Chris Vui and Taleni Seu combine in the second row. Luatua, slots into the back row, supported by the experienced duo of Jack Lam and Fritz Lee at the flanker and number eight positions, respectively.

“Lima is waiting for his visa to relocate to Japan,” Head coach Seilala Mapusua told RugbyPass this week. “We were hoping he could be available for this weekend. We have been keeping him involved with training and team meetings via our comms platform and he is training in France. He is training on his own – well, he better be! Lima should be available for the Tonga game.”

Jordan Lay, Ray Niuia, and Paul Alo-Emile form a robust front row, while Chris Vui and Taleni Seu combine in the second row. Luatua, slots into the back row, supported by the experienced duo of Jack Lam and Fritz Lee at the flanker and number eight positions, respectively.

On the bench, former All Black prop Charlie Faumuina awaits his chance to make an impact.

SAMOA TEAM:
1. Jordan Lay
2. Ray Niuia
3. Paul Alo-Emile
4. Chris Vui
5. Taleni Seu
6. Steven Luatua
7. Jack Lam
8. Fritz Lee
9. Ereatara Enari
10. Christian Leali’ifano
11. Tumia Manu
12. Duncan Paia’aua
13. Stacey Ili
14. Nigel Ah Wong

15. Danny Toala

REPLACEMENTS:
16. Sama Malolo
17. Titi Lamositele
18. Charlie Faumuina
19. Brian Alainu’u’ese
20. Genesis Mamea-Lemalu
21. Melani Matavao
22. Alai D’angelo Leuila
23. Ed Fidow