21 May 2011

Samoa coach puts faith in youth

9:35 am on 21 May 2011

The penultimate round of the World Sevens Series begins in London tonight with Samoa already conceding their title defence is over.

England trail leaders New Zealand by 13 points with Stephen Betham's team a further 21 points in arrears.

Key players Lolo Lui, Uale Mai and Fautua Otto are absent in London but Betham says his new faces deserve a chance to impress.

"I think these young players have put their hands up - especially during the past couple of weeks training. They have really stood out. Some of the old players - like seasoned players which we've had - have carried a bit of injuries and during training camp they struggled against these young boys so these young boys get their chance this weekend."

Samoa have been drawn alongside Scotland, Canada and defending champions Australia in pool play.