The race for the quarterfinalists out of Pool B at the Rugby World Cup is going to be interesting. It could become even more so depending on the outcome of the Samoa/South Africa match on Saturday. With a loss already on their books, South Africa cannot afford another stumble. Samoa, on the other hand, struggled a bit against the USA despite coming away with a win.
Samoa Head Coach Stephen Betham has named a largely unchanged squad to face off in the pivotal matchup with the Springboks. There are only three changes from the Samoan side that took down the USA in their RWC opener. Mike Stanley, TJ Ioane, and Motu Matu’u all step into the starting lineup.
Ofisa Treviranus, who scored a try against the USA in their 25-16 win, returns as Captain.
Samoa vs South Africa
1. Sakaria Taulafo 2. Motu Matu’u 3. Anthony Perenise 4. Teofilo Paulo 5. Iosefa Tekori 6. TJ Ioane 7. Jack Lam 8. Ofisa Treviranus (c) 9. Kahn Fotuali’i 10. Mike Stanley 11. Alesana Tuilagi 12. Rey Lee-Lo 13. Paul Perez 14. Ken Pisi 15. Tim Nanai-Williams
Replacements:
16. Ole Avei 17. Viliamu Afatia 18. Census Johnston 19. Faifili Levave 20. Vavae Tuilagi 21. Vavao Afemai 22. Tusi Pisi 23. George Pisi