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Fiji and Samoa have named the sides to compete against each other at Bonney Field in Sacramento on Friday evening. Both won their respective matches against Tonga and USA, making this a pivotal match as they look to secure a spot in the final on August 3.
John McKee has freshened up his side with seven changes in all, four among the forwards. Peni Ravai comes in for Campese Ma’afu at loosehead, and Api Ratuniyarawa is recalled at lock in place of Tevita Cavubati. The new flankers are Peceli Yato, making his first test start, and returning captain Akapusi Qera.
Nemia Kenatale takes over at scrumhalf to partner Ben Volavola, while Metuisela Talebula replaces Kini Murimurivalu at fullback. An interesting change sees Gaby Lovobalavu start at inside centre, with Saturday’s man-of-the-match Levani Botia left out.
Vili Veikoso is the new reserve hooker and Napolioni Nalaga is also present after being recalled to replace the injured Nemani Nadolo.
Samoa have made six changes to the team that scraped by the Eagles. Stephen Betham has left his forward pack in place, with the exception of hooker where Motu Matu’u makes his run-on debut. Joe Tekori and Faifili Levave are set to provide a major boost in firepower on the bench.
The backs have a very different look, with only captain Alesana Tuilagi and centre Paul Perez retained. Pele Cowley wins his first start, teaming up with Mike Stanley in the halfbacks. Johnny Leota takes over from Faialaga Afamasaga at centre, while Alofa Alofa and Fa’atoina Autagavaia are at right wing and centre respectively. Heavyweight three quarter Faleniu Iosi is set to win his first cap as a reserve.
Fiji and Samoa have a long history against each other, playing 47 (recorded) tests since 1924. Fiji have won 25 of those, with Samoa taking 20 and two draws. Samoa has come out on top in each of the last three matches, including an 18-13 victory in Suva a year ago.
FIJI
1 Peni Ravai 2 Sunia Koto 3 Manasa Saulo 4 Api Ratuniyarawa 5 Leone Nakarawa 6 Peceli Yato 7 Akapusi Qera (capt.) 8 Masi Matadigo 9 Nemia Kenatale 10 Ben Volavola 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma 12 Gaby Lovobalavu 13 Vereniki Goneva 14 Waisea Nayacalevu 15 Metuisela Talebula
16 Vili Veikoso 17 Campese Ma’afu 18 Taniela Koroi 19 Nemia Soqeta 20 Malakai Ravulo 21 Henry Seniloli 22 Josh Matavesi 23 Napolioni Nalaga
SAMOA
1 Sakaria Taulafo 2 Motu Matu’u 3 Anthony Perenise 4 Filo Paulo 5 Fa’atiga Lemalu 6 TJ Ioane 7 Jack Lam 8 Vavae Tuilagi 9 Pele Cowley 10 Mike Stanley 11 Alesana Tuilagi (capt.) 12 Johnny Leota 13 Paul Perez 14 Alofa Alofa 15 Fa’atoina Autagavaia
16 Manu Leiataua 17 Viliamu Afatia 18 Jake Grey 19 Joe Tekori 20 Faifili Levave 21 Vavao Afemai 22 Patrick Fa’apale 23 Faleniu Iosi
