Lam rejoins Manu second round team as captain

By Thomas Airey • 28 September 2019, 8:36PM

KOBE, JAPAN - Manu Samoa coach Vaeluagaomatagi Steve Jackson has called upon experienced hands to bolster a side adjusted for injury and suspensions for the second round clash with Scotland in the World Cup.

Jack Lam, who had been sidelined with injury, will return to captain the team.

Alapati Leiua will move into the centre position, which opens up a spot for Belgium Tuatagaloa to return on the wing.

Otago halfback Melani Matavao will start in the number nine jersey.

"Obviously, there were some players who weren’t available for selection," Vaeluaga said.

“We’ve gone for consistency and to reward the guys that performed well against Russia."

Another experienced hand will bolster the starting XV from the bench.

“Piula Fa’asalele broke his arm about two months ago – so he’s done fantastic to recover and get himself right. He just brings us a wealth of experience," Vaeluaga said.

"But the energy that he’ll bring off the bench is going to be quite exciting to see. You know, we’ve just been trying to control him at training - so to see him get out there and have a run is great. And of course in the backs - Kieron Fonotia brings us great cover across the midfield.“

The 31-year-old loose forward Fa’asalele had been out with injury since his first test as Manu Samoa captain against the U.S.A. in the Pacific Nations Cup in Fiji in August.

“We’re expecting a strong Scotland side on Monday night. They’ve obviously done some soul searching after that loss against the Irish and they’ll be out to make a statement – but so will we,” Vaeluagaomatagi said.

The game at Kobe kicks off at 12.15 am Tuesday Samoan time.

Starting XV

1. Logovi’i Mulipola (31 Tests)

2. Ray Niuia (5 Tests)

3. Michael Alaalatoa (2 Tests)

4. Teofilo Paulo (35 Tests)

5. Kane Le’aupepe (6 Tests)

6. Chris Vui (24 Tests)

7. TJ Ioane (22 Tests)

8. Jack Lam (c) (35 Tests)

9. Melani Matavao (10 Tests)

10. Tusi Pisi (42 Tests)