Samoa A have opted for youth in selecting their lineup for their opening match of the World Rugby Pacific Challenge in Fiji on Friday afternoon.

They will take on hosts Fiji Warriors in their first game at 3 pm Samoan time at ANZ Stadium in Suva, in the competition which also features Tonga A and Junior Japan.

The pending Global Rapid Rugby season has meant many of the Samoa Under-23 players are with Manumā Samoa preparing for their first fixture in Perth on the 14^th of March, so this Samoa A squad leans heavily on the Under-20 programme.

There are 10 players who represented Samoa Under-20 against Tonga Under-20 last month in the lineup to play Fiji Warriors, with Falanaipupu Setu Tuilaepa again taking the reins as head coach. 

Samoa A will play their second game of the Pacific Challenge against Junior Japan on Tuesday at 1:30 pm, before their final outing against Tonga A next Saturday at 3 pm.

At the conclusion of the tournament, the best players across all three island teams are selected to take part in the Pacific Combine, a World Rugby project to help secure contracts overseas for players so that they can turn professional.

Samoa A to play Fiji Warriors at 3 pm Samoan time at ANZ Stadium in Suva:

1. Agape Peleseuma
2. Jack Laban
3. Noel Sanft
4. Mesulame Skelton
5. Miracle Tevita Failagi
6. Ailepata Junior Lemalu
7. Iakopo Selausene
8. Joseph Maranata Faleafaga (c)
9. Des Sepulona
10. Philippe Toelupe
11. Luke Malietoa
12. Faleniu Iosi (vc)
13. Aneriueta Avaotuna
14. Owen Niue
15. Taunu’u Niulevaea
    
     
16. Jenny Taateo
17. Terence Toomata
18. Saini Iese
19. Mark Tusigaigoa
20. Kaisa Alauni Fatu
21. Vaimoli Alosina
22. Reupena Seveali’i
23. Pama Kalolo

Head Coach: Falanaipupu Setu Tuilaepa
Assistant Coach: Tausa Faamaoni Lalomilo
Technical Advisor: Sooalo Fono Pitoitua
Physiotherapist: Elvera Lam
 Team Manager: Rev Onosai So’o

Other squad members: Tovia Taisali, Kirisimasi Tiumalu, Pena Junior Taumata, Alesana Lilomaiava, Farani Ah Sam