Changes in the Manu Samoa team have been made by head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua as they get ready for the all important clash against Japan in the Rugby World Cup on Friday morning Apia time.

James Lay, Seilala Lam and Paul Alo-Emile will start as the front three with captain Chris Vui partnering the in-form Theo McFarland at lock. Taleni Seu and Fritz Lee are the loose forwards along with Sa Jordan Taufua who gets his first start at the RWC.

The combination of Jonathan Taumateine at halfback and Christian Lealiifano at flyhalf has been maintained while the midfield remains unchanged with Alai D’Angelo Leuila and Tumua Manu.

Ben Lam starts on the left wing with Ed Fidow on the right and Duncan Paia’aua at fullback.

Sama Malolo, Jordan Lay, Michael Alaalatoa, Steven Luatua, Melani Matavao, Nenia Fomai and Danny Toala are on the bench.

“We thought the changes made were reflective [of the game]. Japan are a very well disciplined team and changes we have made, we see as setting the style of play we want to play as well as adding a bit more variety in our attack,” said Vaovasamanaia.

Lima Sopoaga who was one of the two players joining the team in France remains injured but the coach is hopeful of his recovery.

"Lima is tracking along nicely with his rehab and recovery. He should be back available for selection following the game against Japan. Next week if he continues with the programme he is on and comes through OK this week," he said.

"We have seen an improvement in the Japanese team and an improvement in our own team. So while we played each other back in July both teams have improved so we can't really look too much into that game and that result. I believe it is going to be a totally different game and both teams will be a lot stronger."

Steven Luatua has been named on the bench and Charlie Faumuina who is a former All Black is not playing. Vaovasamanaia said this is part of the plan.

"Steven has played a lot of minutes for us over the last couple of months so we see him playing an effective role in the latter part of the game where we need some calm heads and experience.

"Charlie is OK but is carrying a little bit of an injury."

Despite his performance last week, Christian Leali'ifano starts at flyhalf. The coach said he is a world-class player and someone who is very valuable to the team.

"As a player you might not get a run on the day and that's OK because you've got 14 other guys on the field there to help you. I know our whole squad backs him up 100 per cent. Christian is looking forward to getting back on the field and putting in a strong performance," he said.

In Pool D, Samoa remains in the second spot after a win and a loss with five points and are tied with Japan who have had the same result after a bonus point win against Chile.

England lead the pool with 14 points and remain unbeaten. Argentina is fourth with four points after two games and Chile are still to get a point.

If Samoa falters against Japan, both Japan and Argentina would most definitely surpass the Manu, leaving quarterfinal qualification to the slimmest of chances.

Manu Samoa face Japan on Friday 29 September at 8am.