15 Jun 2018

Sport: Manu Samoa ring changes as Tonga, Fiji add firepower

6:17 am on 15 June 2018

Manu Samoa have made nine changes to their starting line-up for Saturday's Pacific Nations Cup rugby clash against Tonga, as they keep one eye on their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Jordan Lay, Seilala Lam and Viliamu Afatia form a brand new front row combination, with Logovii Mulipola out injured, while Joe Tekori joins captain Chris Vui in the second row.

TJ Ioane starts on the openside flank with Jack Lam shifting to number eight.

Dwayne Polataivao gets the nod at halfback, with Alofa Alofa replacing the injured Rey Lee-Lo at centre, in his first test appearance for three years, while veteran Paul Perez comes onto the right wing.

Alofa Alofa (14) last played for Manu Samoa in 2015.

Alofa Alofa (14) last played for Manu Samoa in 2015. Photo: AFP

The 'Ikale Tahi have brought in four new faces with one positional change to the run-on team.

Siua Halanukonuka joins the front row, with Sitiveni Mafi given the nod at blindside flanker.

Cooper Vuna makes his first appearance of the season on the left wing, after recovering from injury, while Viliami Lolohea earns his first test start on the right, with David Halaifonua shuffling across to fullback.

Former Wallabies winger Cooper Vuna was unable to inspire Tonga to success at the Monaco Sevens.

Cooper Vuna is back for Tonga. Photo: World Rugby / Martin Seras Lima

Radradra, Nadolo add firepower to Flying Fijians

Semi Radradra will make his Flying Fijians debut after being named to start at centre against Georgia.

Nemani Nadolo also comes into the starting side on the left wing, with Vereniki Goneva switching to the opposite flank, while hooker Ratu Vere Vugakoto is the only new face in the pack.

"It's exciting for Semi Radradra to finally make his debut for the Flying Fijians," said head coach John McKee.

"Semi's been in outstanding form for his club (Toulon) across the Northern season and against England for the Barbarians. We'll be looking fo him to inject the skill and speed he brings into the game on Saturday."

Semi Radradra was named player of the final and included in the London 7s tournament team.

Semi Radradra will start for the Flying Fijians after starring for Toulon and the Fiji sevens team. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby

After conceding three yellow cards in last weekend's victory over Samoa, John McKee said he expected his players to be on their best behaviour.

"Discipline will be crucial for this game, conceding unnecessary penalties against Georgia will allow them to put us under pressure," he said.

"One yellow card will be one yellow card to many in my view."

Samoa:

1. Jordan Lay, 2. Seilala Lam, 3. Viliamu Afatia, 4. Joe Tekori, 5. Chris Vui (c), 6. Piula Faasalele, 7. TJ Ioane, 8. Jack Lam, 9. Dwayne Polataivao, 10. Tusi Pisi,

11. Sinoti Sinoti, 12. Alapati Leiua, 13. Alofa Alofa, 14. Paul Perez, 15. Ah See Tuala. Bench: 16. Elia Elia, 17. James Lay, 18. Paul Alo-Emile, 19. Brandon Nansen, 20.

Ofisa Treviranus, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Rodney Iona, 23. Ed Fidow.

Tonga:

1. Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, 2. Paula Ngauamo, 3. Siua Halanukonuka, 4. Leva Fifita, 5. Joe Tu'ineau, 6. Sitiveni Mafi, 7. Fotu Lokotui, 8. Nasi Manu, 9. Sonatane Takulua, 10. Kurt Morath, 11. Cooper Vuna, 12. Siale Piutau (c) 13. Nafi Tu'itavake, 14. Viliami Lolohea, 15. David Halaifonua. Bench: 16. Sefo Sakalia, 17. David Feao, 18. Ben Tameifuna, 19. Valentino Mapapalangi, 20. Maama Vaipulu, 21. Suke Tuumotooa, 22. Latiume Fosita, 23. Sione Fifita.

Fiji:

1. Campese Ma'afu, 2. Ratu Vere Vugakoto, 3. Manasa Saulo, 4. Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 5. Leone Nakarawa, 6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 7. Akapusi Qera (c), 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Henry Seniloli, 10. Ben Volavola, 11. Nemani Nadolo, 12. Jale Vatubua, 13. Semi Radradra, 14. Vereniki Goneva, 15. Kini Murimurivalu. Bench: 16. Ratunaisa Navuma, 17. Eroni Mawi, 18. Kalivati Tawake, 19. Sikeli Nabou, 20. Nemani Nagusa, 21. Frank Lomani, 22. Alivereti Veitokani, 23. Timoci Nagusa.