Census back to face the All Blacks

Manu Samoa have sprung a surprise by including Toulouse prop Census Johnston in their list of 27 players to prepare for the All Blacks test on July 8. The fan favorite had announced his international retirement in April amidst a stir of concern about the availability of Pacific Nations players being held back by their club teams, but has made an about-face and will at the very least appear in Apia.

Injuries and Super Rugby commitments have deprived the side of several key players such as Motu Matu’u, George Pisi, and Reynold Lee-Lo, but Chiefs fullback Tim Nanai-Williams is included and there is a recall for bulldozing Newcastle winger Alesana Tuilagi.

London Irish loose forward Ofisa Treviranus has been named captain through to the World Cup, with his predecessor David Lemi also absent from the match day squad. Versatile midfielder Faialaga Afamasaga is the only Samoan-based player in the group, with the rest coming from clubs based in France, England, Wales, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Head coach Stephen Betham will name his final group of 23 players on Monday. Samoa’s Pacific Nations Cup kicks off against the US Eagles on July 18.

FORWARDS
Viliamu Afatia (Agen), Census Johnston (Toulouse), Anthony Perenise (Bristol), Sakaria Taulafo (Stade Francais), Ole Avei (Bordeaux), Manu Leiataua (Aurillac), Fa’atiga Lemalu (Sanix), Filo Paulo (Cardiff Blues), Joe Tekori (Toulouse), Kane Thompson (Newcastle), Maurie Fa’asavalu (Oyonnax), Alafoti Fa’osiliva (Bath), T.J. Ioane (Sale), Jack Lam (Bristol), Ofisa Treviranus (capt., London Irish)

BACKS
Pele Cowley (Suburbs), Kahn Fotuali’i (Northampton), Tusi Pisi (Suntory), Mike Stanley (Ulster), Faialaga Afamasaga (SCOPA), Johnny Leota (Sale), Paul Perez (Natal), Alofa Alofa (La Rochelle), Ken Pisi (Northampton), Alesana Tuilagi (Newcastle), Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs), Ahsee Tuala (Northampton)