A tough battle is expected this Saturday when the Manu Samoa take on the Barbarians with five South Africans, two Samoans and two Fijians named on the Barbarians side.

Manu Samoa Head Coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua said they are looking forward to the game as this will provide a test for the team.

“The team has really travelled well and we have settled in Brive very well. Slowly getting over the jet lag and acclimatising to the French conditions. We are in pretty good shape at the moment,” Vaovasamanaia told the Samoa Observer.

“In terms of the game this week against the Barbarians, it gives us an opportunity to have a closer look at our combinations and also test our game plan against an opposition.

“It will be a good test for us and a chance for the boys to put their hands up in terms of selection for the games at the World Cup.”

Lima Sopoaga and Ben Lam make their Manu Samoa debut when they take on the Barbarians on early Saturday morning (Samoa Time).

Vaovasamanaia has named Melani Matavao to pair with Sopoaga as the halfback and flyhalf combination. This is also Matavao’s first start for Manu Samoa this year.

Jordon Lay, Seilala Lam and captain Michael Ala’alatoa make up the front three with Brian Alainu’uese and Theodore McFarland as locks. Alamanda Motuga and Steven Luatua are on the flanks with So’otala Fa’aso’o at number eight.

Tumua Manu and Neria Foma’I are in the centres with Nigel Ah Wong and Ben Lam on the wing. Danny Toala starts at fullback.

The Manu Samoa bench is a strong one as well, with Luteru Tolai, James Lay, Paul Alo-Emile, Chris Vui, Sa Jordon Taufua, Ereatara Enari, Christian Leali’ifano and Ed Fidow.

The Barbarians' line-up will include scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies, Jean-Luc du Preez (lock) and hooker Joseph Dweba.

Du Preez will co-captain the side along with Australian centre Curtis Rona. Also included in the team is Tim Nanai-Williams who will start at fullback. Jack Lam starts on the flanks for the Barbarians.

Fijian-born Wallaby Henry Speight starts on the wing and one of the highest-paid players in French rugby, centre Virimi Vakatawa is starting as well.

The Manu Samoa and the Barbarians match will kick off at 7.45 am this Saturday (Samoa Time).