Lock forward Chris Vui has been named to lead the Samoa against Argentina on Saturday morning while flyhalf Lima Sopoaga will sit out the game as the head coach named his team for their second RWC clash.

Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua has named James Lay, Seilala Lam and Paul Alo-Emile as the front three. Brian Alainu’uese will partner Vui at lock while Theo McFarland, Fritz Lee and Steven Luatua handle the duties as flankers and number eight respectively.

Jonathan Taumateine continues to start at halfback while Christian Lealiifano has been given the pivotal role at fly-half and he will be accompanied in the midfield by Tumua Manu and Ulupano Junior Seuteni.

Ben Lam and Nigel Ah-Wong are on the wings while Duncan Paia’aua is at fullback. Sami Malolo, Charlie Faumuina, Michael Alaalatoa, Talenu Junior Agaese Seu, Sa Jordan Taufua, Melani Matavao, Alai D’Angelo Leuila and Danny Toala are on the bench.

"Brian (Alainu’u’ese, second row) has been training really well and this was a game we thought his strengths would be utilised, especially around the set-piece,” Vaovasamanaia said. "Ben Lam (winger) has just become available after sustaining an injury a few weeks ago. 

"He is now fit and ready to go. We were worried when he sustained his injury. He's a lot on the edge for us, he's a very big man who can move quickly... he brings a lot to the wider channels, his pure power and the way he plays the game. We are looking forward to finally getting him on the field this weekend.

"With Lima Sopoaga's (fly-half) omission (from the match-day squad) I think it's been circulated that he sustained a (calf) injury last week against Chile. He was ruled out this week, we ruled him out as a precautionary. Also, because of the nature of his injury, he wasn't ready to play this week. We will reassess at the weekend towards next week's game."

Vaovasamanaia said the team was going into this match with a changed mentality. Argentina went down to England in their first pool encounter and they will come out firing on all cylinders hoping to get a win.

"The boys have realised we are in the tournament, we've arrived at the party. There are no second chances so this week the whole squad, there has been a real lift and energy. We know we have got a huge game coming up,” he said. "We won't be short of motivation. It's been tough. 

"We waited a couple of weeks to play our first game and then I felt like we blinked and we are straight into the second game. It's been good but we've had to be a bit creative this week in terms of how we managed our squad, making sure we are in the best condition for the game on Friday."

Manu Samoa won their first match against Chile with a bonus point and are in a controlling position in their pool with five points, second on the ladder behind England who now have nine points after two games.

Japan after two games has five points as well but Samoa has a better points differential. Argentina and Chile are yet to get any points.

Manu Samoa will take on Argentina this Saturday at 4.45 am Apia time.