Matavao and Scanlan out of Vancouver and LA 7s
Manu Samoa 7s will be without the services of experienced players Melani Matavao, Paul Scanlan and Levi Milford for the next two legs of the World Sevens Series.
Next up is the Vancouver 7s this weekend, which starts Saturday 24 February with final day of play on Monday 26 February.
Head Coach Muliagatele Fata Brian Lima announced the squad on Monday morning.
Matavao is unavailable due to commitments to Moana Pasifika, while Paul Scanlan and Levi Milford are ruled out due to injuries sustained in Perth.
The lineup introduces two promising youngsters set to potentially make their debut this weekend. Des Sepulona and Dan Patelesio have been named in the team.
Additionally, the team welcomes back Steve Onosai who has fully recovered from his injury sustained last year.
Paul Eti Alesana-Slater also makes his return to the squad.
Samoa is in Pool B with Australia, France and the USA. By no means this is an easy pool, then again all pools in the Series are equally difficult.
In the last tournament in Perth, Samoa was unable to qualify for the Cup quarter-finals and things look even harder with the experienced players missing from the squad.
In the revamped World Sevens Series, there are only 12 teams. In the current standing, Samoa is in the ninth spot, out of the top eight and in danger of losing its core status if they fail to finish inside the top eight.
Manu Samoa faces Australia at 11.52 am on Saturday 24 February.
Manu Samoa 7s: Vaovasa Afa Su'a (C), Faamaoni Jr Lalomilo, Bj Telefoni Lima, Motu Opetai, Uaina Tui Sione Tama, Taunuu Niulevaea, Des Sepulona Faoa, Neueli Leitufia, Tom Maiava, Steve Onosai, Elisapeta Alofipo, Faafoi Falaniko, Paul Eti Alesana-Slater, Dan Patelesio.